Costuming History: Dressing the Story of Killers of the Flower Moon with Julie O’Keefe
Bringing Native History to Life: Julie O'Keefe’s Impact on Killers of the Flower Moon and Oklahoma’s Film Industry
Julie O'Keefe, a wardrobe consultant and designer from the Oage Nation, has played a vital role in bridging Oklahoma's rich Native American heritage with the modern film industry. Most notably, Julie contributed to the wardrobe design for Killers of the Flower Moon, bringing the indigenous culture and history of the Osage people to life on screen. In a recent Behind the Scenes Oklahoma interview, Julie shared her inspiring journey, the challenges of working on a major film, and the role of Oklahoma in the broader film industry.
A Passion for Native American History and Culture
Julie’s deep connection to her Oage roots and her passion for preserving native traditions have shaped her career. Born in Puska, Oklahoma, Julie’s career path took her to Washington D.C. before eventually returning to Tulsa in 2018. Her love for history, culture, and storytelling has fueled her desire to share the stories of her people through film. “I’m a citizen of the Oage Nation,” she explains. “Growing up in Puska, I learned the importance of preserving our culture and heritage, and now I get to contribute to telling those stories on the big screen.”
While working as a wardrobe consultant for Killers of the Flower Moon, Julie brought an invaluable understanding of the Oage culture, especially when it came to authentic costume design. Her involvement in the project is a testament to the importance of Native voices in the industry, as she helped guide the wardrobe choices to ensure accuracy and respect for historical details.
From Costume Design to Community Impact
Julie’s journey into the film industry began when Chief Standing Bear encouraged her to apply for a position on Killers of the Flower Moon. At first, Julie hesitated, unsure of what role she could play. However, after a conversation with Jacqueline West, the head costume designer for the film, Julie's expertise in Oage history became an asset to the production.
“I went into Jacqueline’s studio space and saw how she had meticulously laid out the costumes for the film,” Julie recalls. “She had thousands of photographs of traditional Oage clothing, but there was something missing. I was able to add a level of understanding that only someone from the culture could provide.”
Julie’s ability to work closely with the community made a profound impact on the film. She helped bring authenticity to the costumes by sourcing items directly from local families who had preserved historical clothing for generations. Many of these pieces had been passed down through families for over a century and were stored in cedar trunks—an invaluable resource for the film's wardrobe team.
Through what Julie describes as a “trunk show,” local families brought their heirlooms to share with the production. “This film allowed us to bring these treasures out into the light,” she says. “It was incredible to see how much history was stored in these simple objects.”
Watch the full episode on YouTube.
Oklahoma’s Film Industry: A New Era of Opportunity
Killers of the Flower Moon marked a significant turning point for Oklahoma's film industry. Julie emphasizes the importance of the state’s involvement in such a major project, noting how the film’s budget and scale helped push the local film infrastructure forward. “This was the first time Oklahoma had such a big-budget production. It was amazing to see how it helped elevate the industry here,” she shares.
One of the biggest challenges of shooting in Oklahoma was the logistics of housing and accommodating over 800 crew members and 1,000 extras. Despite these challenges, the production helped expose the state’s potential as a filming destination. “This film really opened doors for Oklahoma. It showed that we can handle large productions, and we have the resources to support them,” Julie adds.
Julie also highlights the positive impact on the local community, especially with the employment of Native youth. “It was inspiring to see how young people were able to get involved and see themselves in the industry. Many of them had no idea that these opportunities were possible,” she says. Julie's work not only contributed to the success of Killers of the Flower Moon but also provided a platform for Native voices to be heard in an industry that has long struggled with representation.
Encouraging Future Generations in Oklahoma’s Film Industry
Looking ahead, Julie is passionate about encouraging the next generation of filmmakers and creatives in Oklahoma, especially Native youth. “There are so many opportunities within the film industry—whether it’s being a gaffer, an electrician, or a costumer,” she says. “It’s important for our youth to see that they can be part of this industry and contribute to it.”
As Oklahoma continues to grow as a film destination, Julie hopes that more young people will pursue careers in film, helping to preserve Native culture and history through the lens of modern cinema. “The more we push for representation, the more our stories will be told,” she says. “This is just the beginning for Oklahoma, and I’m excited to be a part of it.”
Julie O'Keefe’s work on Killers of the Flower Moon is a perfect example of how community, culture, and creativity intersect to create something truly impactful. As Oklahoma continues to embrace its film industry, Julie’s contributions are paving the way for future filmmakers, costumers, and creatives to bring their own stories to life on the big screen.
