Polygamists offer prairie fashions for sale

Posted: Tuesday, July 01, 2008 1:52 PM

By Don Teague, NBC News Correspondent

DALLAS – Just in time for back-to-school shopping: authentic polygamist prairie dresses.

Apparently, all the publicity surrounding the ongoing investigation into alleged underage marriage among members of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) on a Texas ranch has created some serious demand for prairie dresses.

So much so that the FLDS has launched an online store where members of the general public can purchase the dresses, long underwear, and other ranch-wear "as seen on TV."

The home page for the FLDS Dress Clothing Store

According to the Salt Lake Tribune, the Web site FLDSdress.com, was initially created to give Texas authorities a place to purchase the clothing, so children in state custody could maintain their traditional clothing.

The children have been reunited with their families, but the Web site now serves another purpose. The FLDS hopes to raise money through sale of the clothing to help support families from the Yearning For Zion ranch who now live in rental homes in cities like San Antonio and Austin. Some families have returned to the ranch, but many have not.

The Web site sells a wide array of clothing for children, from the "Teen Princess Dress" for $60.65 to the "Baby Dress With Bloomers" for $48.07. Both items, along with most others for girls, are available in a rainbow of pastels from pink to yellow or lavender. Items for boys include denim overalls for $65.93 and cotton-polyester shirts for $23.69.

The Web site said the clothes are made to meet the "FLDS standards for modesty and neatness." And all of the clothes are hand-made "with joy and care" by the FLDS women.

The legal troubles for parents from the YFZ ranch haven’t ended. A grand jury met last month in Eldorado, Texas, to consider possible criminal indictments in the case. It will meet again later this month.

In the meantime, FLDS women are sewing and selling their way to financial independence.

And who knows? It’s fashion week in Paris. We may soon hear rumblings from the catwalks that "pastel is the new black." After all of the strange twists and turns of the FLDS drama, it wouldn’t surprise me at all.

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Comments

This is a joke...right?

Maria, INDIANA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:54 PM)

Yea the FLDS are strange, but don't confuse them with the LDS. We do NOT support polygamy and certainly do NOT dress like that. We do believe in being modest but a short sleeve shirt is considered modest and knee length shorts, skirts and dresses are also appropriate. And we are certainly NOT let me repeat NOT a freaking cult. Your phsyco...

Beth Blaisdell (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:54 PM)

I'd wear a prairie dress before I wore a Burka.

Jane Doe, Montville, New Jersey (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:54 PM)

not a cause i want my money going to.

Marcie Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:59 PM)

I find it interesting the FLDS says our governments are evil and teach their people to separate themselves, and yet they are happy to setup commercialism and a market to sell their wares to those same people. Double-standard!

Dave (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 4:59 PM)

i wear modest clothes that is not ugly!! They need to try out a diffent style because that stuff is just terrible! i think that they need to get a clue..no one wants those clothes. If someone did then they were just joking or maybe planning to join the group?!
(I wonder why the women are not allowed to have many husbands?)

someone in baton rouge, louisiana (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

This is not about the "poligamist" clothing. This is about helping women and children who do not want to return to their former state or perhaps leave the situation they are in. These women lack formal education, training and have been fanatically indoctrinated.
Wow! What a novelty, clothes made by American hands and modesty thrown in.
My word, what is this world coming to.

Marty Dorsey (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

Compared to the styles I see the young girls wear today, I say Hooray, perhaps some decent styles will come back, maybe some Doris Day outfits she wore in the movies, or Scarlett O'Hara, we definitely need a change in style.
It's time for a change in fashion, and bring decentcy
back in our clothing line.
No I'm not a Mormon.

Julie Dukes, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

IT'S ABOUT TIME THOSE WELFARE SCAMMING DECENDENTS OF PRAIRE WOMEN OF ILL REPUTE GOT A JOB . I HAVE FOUR FEET OF HAIR AND WEAR IT IN A BUN BECAUSE I ACTUALLY DO WORK . I DON'T BEAT MY CHILDREN INTO DOING IT .

patricia fellers tomahawk wisconsin (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

>>>It would be the greatest thing if society adapted the dress code of the FLDS why you ask I am tired of seeing how short or thin clothing has and can become in the recent years people barely dressed in public places ....Lets go back to the era of modesty for a change in the right direction<<<

You MUST have forgotten to take your medication today. I'm going to pretend I didn't read that.

Polygamists are losers, Sacramento, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

Seriously what is the world coming to??? Why would anyone want to wear this nonsense? I would understand if it was a cultural thing, not a religion where a crazed man forced young girls who knew nothing about sex to have sex....I guess this is there was of getting child support

Marissa, Austin TX (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

They take care of thier own they dont need your welfare

cara ind indiana (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

I guess they are not making enough money from "BLEEDING THE BEAST" aka the AMERICAN TAXPAYER!! Anyone who buys this stuff is only contributing to this abomination! Don't give these people one red cent!! They will only use the money to allow 40 year old men to RAPE little pre teen girls!!! SICK SICK SICK!!!!!! All of these people belong in JAIL!!!!

Rich Wagner, Denver, CO (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:02 PM)

I was married to a man who was raised by his mormon mom and stepdad. They like to tell people that the mainstream mormon church doesn't support the fundamentalists but when you get down to the facts and see the ongoings of the church when they are surrounded by others of the same belief- they all believe that men are superior, that women were put on this planet to serve them, that they inherit heir own "planet" when they die and all their women serve them for eternity. They have no problem with men cheating on their wives, beating them, or belittling them regularily. Mormonism is a manipulative cult- NOTHING MORE!

Michelle Pinkerton, Los Alamos, NM (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:03 PM)

Religious people certainly wear funny stuff sometimes! The pope has that wacky pointed hat and traditional jewish dudes wear those little caps with long beards. Pick your superstition and have a good time!

CK, Rock SPrings, WY (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:04 PM)

Sure alot of judging and criticism from a people who are generally immoral(americans): Pologamy? How many sexual relationships does the average american have? How many wives/divorces?. I am not FLDS but I am not going to criticise them for practicing what they believe. At least they believe.

Chad; Boise (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:04 PM)

Perhaps they want to "break out" a bit and join the the world; that could be step 1.

Chapter 2?
We'll see.

Trudy Wise, Tempe AZ (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:06 PM)

Yes, polygamy is still illegal, just as it is still illegal in almost all states for gays to marry. Yet while gay marriage is championed in the Media, polygamous marriage is vilified and outlawed. As and where both involve consenting adults, ought not the same attitudes apply?

Brent (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:06 PM)

I thought they shunned the outside world ... no TV etc. how are do they have a website now??

J, south, FL (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:07 PM)

As a child of polygamy, I can tell you FOR SURE that this money will not go to the women or children. It will go directly into the hands of the upper eschelon of men to do with it as they please. This "religion" is sick, twisted, and operates under that guise (religion) purely to avoid prosecution. I could go on and on, but this is a comment box, not a forum. PLEASE DO NOT BUY THESE ITEMS!

Rhonda, SLC, UTAH (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:07 PM)

Read the new book 'When men become Gods' for a real eye opener into this cult.....

Polygamyheart, NY (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:07 PM)

If you read the article closely the money goes to the housing of families that are not on the YFZ Ranch yet. These women are not getting a cent of this money. The Elders and Husbands collect all their money and run the financial affairs of the families. These women are sex slaves and baby producers that have no say about anything in their lives

Ann, Buena Park, CA. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:07 PM)

This must be the only online shopping site where the cart comes with a bullock and a sunshade.

Dave (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:08 PM)

Ann, Buena Park, CA. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:09 PM)

Why? Straight from their cult's website...

And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be plain, and their beauty of the work of thine own hands DC 42:40

Christie (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:10 PM)

I want to know how to do the hair do. (for my costume).They are very elaborate and look like they take a lot of time to do- a bit 1940 ish.

June Kiel (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:11 PM)

What in the world? While I never supported the government kidnapping their children, I've also never condoned their way of life. And now this? Surely this is a fake? Someone's making fun, right? I would hope someone's pulling our leg. Goodness!

Jennifer Duff, Springfield, Oregon (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:11 PM)

The people buying these clothes should be ashamed - supporting child abusers! If you are old enough to make a decision to be a polygamist's wife, that's your decision. However, to push preteen and teenage kids into marriage (How many boys were forced to marry older women?)I prefer to donate my money to worthier charities.

Barbara Siegel, Bloomfield, NJ (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:12 PM)

We'll probably see Paris Hilton in one of these during the next Oscar Awards.

Deano, Music City USA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:15 PM)

Hats off to you folks! Sorry for the way you were treated! Goverment could arrest many people and take children if they would investigate our public schools.
I like the idea of being able to buy something made in America, but you do need more selection!

JB Grand Junction CO (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:15 PM)

My Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was the "last" prophet. Joseph Smith was mentally ill...hearing voices and seeing angels....I spent the first 22 years of my life as a Mormon until I found the truth in the Holy Scriptures.....these FLDS are a cult and now they want to "seem" like they are just a nice bunch of folks....however, child abuse, forced marriages and mind control under the name of God is purely satanic...and they want to cover this up with expensive out-of-date cloths that people would only wear on a night that celebrates evil (Halloween)

Bob Johnson, Moreno Valley, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:20 PM)

What is really sick is that this is "fashion" designed to feed the sick elders fantasy of what little boys and girls should look like and dress. It is nothing more than part of the grooming process to sexually abuse them. The "modesty and neatness" of the clothing is feeding some sick sexual fantasy. It is also unrealistic to think that the women are creating the clothing as independent business women - the men handle all the business dealings in the cult.

Stacie, Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:21 PM)

I agree with Nathan of South Bend IN.

In a cult where ugly old guys force children into inappropriate "marriage", there is no true modesty.

Part of modesty is a clean mind and treating children right, not abusing them and forcing them into gross relationships and making them live in a sexist society.

SJAF, of RP Germany (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:22 PM)

When will the Government finally make a distinction between Religions that abide by laws and generally promote belief systems that align themselves with MAINSTREAM ideals and practices and remove the tax free status of the crazies. That includes Muslims as well. Until they reign in their obscure and destructive religious beliefs they would be on top of the list to disqualify them from the non-profit considerations.

Then and only then will you see mass realignment to the mainstream. Otherwise why don't we all just create, promote and design our own madness and enjoy the tax free breaks as well.

Joesph Mohamed Husein Smith Young Jeffs (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:23 PM)

I remember seeing cell phones and computers used by the FDLS women on TV coverage, so they aren't outdated, and they also drive some fine gas guzzling trucks,vans. I doubt that the money they make off this enterprise will go to the women/children. I sew and I can make dresses for much less then they are quoting. And I will bet that the fabric comes from the walmart $1 table. The Amish are good, loving, truthful people as history has proven time and time again. This FDLS group can't even hold a candle to them. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints are not part of this group and like any faith there are good and bad. The FDLS are trying very hard to hook themselves to the LDS, and it won't happen.
This group is male controlled the women are the type who would be lead around bowing to the male no matter what there belief. Speaking as a mother/grandmother I can't understand how these women can accept having their families restructures on the whim of like or dislike. As I noticed during their time on TV, they are robots, the few tears we seen were not tears of a mother who just had her child taken from her.
Ladies of the FLDS, If you really want to make money, then you need to make and sell your bread/cookies/cakes. You will make more money that way than you ever will over the dress/sleepwear/underwear. By the way, their underwear is the same underwear LDS endowed members wear and the LDS is cheaper.

rose barton, kennewick, Wa. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:23 PM)

Unbelievable!!!!! I can't believe that after hearing of the molestation cases and illegal marriages of so many under-aged girls in this "so called" religious group, that anyone would be interested at all in funding these acts by purchasing their clothing. I don't know how anyone who does make a purchase can go to bed at night feeling good about helping the continuation of these illegal acts. SICK!!!!!!!

Ren from PA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:23 PM)

Perhaps all of the FDLS members can now come off of WELFARE and begin earning their own way and pay taxes like the rest of us Gumby's?

Judy, Las Vegas, NV (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:23 PM)

Please let me make this plain. I don't want it censored but some words may offend. I do not wear pants. It is a personal Christian conviction, not my husband's. I am supposed to submit to my husband and my pastor's guidance, but the rest of the male sex can go,...whatever. I do not feel repressed because of this and I think the prairie dresses are pretty, not my sytle, but, nevertheless, pretty. These women have a personal conviction. If, like me, they just do not want to show their crotch in public for every passing male to consider and judge. Young women, what ever happened to the women's rights movement. We older women did not want to be considered sex objects. Oh, and by the way, if the same sex can marry, why can't people have more than one spouse. Different sex marriage and one wife are both Christian tenents.

BH, Thornton, Arkansas (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:23 PM)

The blogger who says the LDS and FLDS are sick cults should keep in mind that the two have very little in common other than the three initials. I am LDS. It's good to study a religion before judging...er...isn't there something in the Bible about judging?

Marlene Breaden, Jasper, IN (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:24 PM)

I just dont think that this is right and I realy dont think they should be able to sell this online.

B, Rugby, ND (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:24 PM)

"And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be
plain, and their beauty of the work of thine own hands"--- for the every day humble/modest price of $70.

Wendy, Bako, CA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:54 PM)

this is so disturbing!!!

abbie, seattle (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:55 PM)

Hey, let me get my order in.......NOT!!!

Roger, CA. (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:55 PM)

To: Jessica (Boston) There's a quote from the Morman Bible on the site that explains the reasoning/justification for wearing plain clothing made by one's own hand. Here's the quote: "And again, thou shalt not be proud in thy heart; let all thy garments be
plain, and their beauty of the work of thine own hands DC 42:40"

Ken, Post Falls, ID (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:58 PM)

We've already been supporting these "wives" and kids through the state welfare system. The FLDS has been bilking the system for years. I hope they all go to prison and then I hope they all go to hell.

Yvonne Masterson, Houston, TX (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:58 PM)

What are they going to do next open a hardware store, like "Big Love"

Dred Star, Cleveland, ohio (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 5:59 PM)

i hope all of you mormons out there are not criticizing the flds!!!! It was your prophet the GREAT joseph smith who started all this crap. Evgerything he read on those silly tablets was what god told him to do. The government steps in and all the mormons buckle down and stop polygamy. The same way they did with the black man. Mormons didn't allow the black man in their church until 1978. Joseph smith was peddling religion to the people like a man selling the cure all for everything back in the day!!!! Guess what, a lot of people bought it. flds or lds, it's all the same and you know it!!!

bringham young and 25 wives, slc, utah (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:00 PM)

I agree with Dave and many others regarding the duplicity with this group; however, this is still the good ole' USA and they've a right to hawk their goods. I doubt many will support it though. I won't.

While I wasn't brought up FLDS, I was brought up in an extremely narrow-minded, conservative, close-minded atmosphere cloaked in religion, love, family and bonds that to this day still affect me, often positively. I moved on from the restrictive religion and I had choices, even if my choices went against the norm. I wasn't shunned either. Famiy first and so it's just hard to fathom the shunning practices, let alone pre-teen/teen forced or obligatory plural marriages. The FLDS seems extreme, like any cult. I think it's sad these kids don't have a chance to learn more about the world we live in and no real choices.

It'll be interesting to see how this all progresses through the legal system. Too bad the State messed up initially. I hope these guys (and women too) are nailed, if guilty of child abuse in any form.

Whew, I feel better! Anyone know if these folks receive gov't assistance?

Once A Brain-washed Church Kid Too (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:03 PM)

Consenting adults??? Hmmm adults are 18 or over..Polygamists marry as young as 14.Hmmmm what consent do they seek? The parents of said 14 or 15 year old, who was probably an uncooperative 14 or 15 herself at marriage too....

Judith (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:05 PM)

Great stuff! About time young girls wore something that doesn't look like a hooker in heat. I blame their mothers dressing them like whores. No wonder girls are getting into trouble every time you see the evening news.

Bob J. Seattle, WA (Sent Tuesday, July 01, 2008 6:05 PM)

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