Get to know the designers behind the labels at the Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week!
We are delighted to share the First Nations designers who are fast making their mark on the global fashion landscape, pushing the boundaries of traditional fashion and giving us the privilege to see and wear their cultural stories through innovative designs.
The Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Runway, presented by Afterpay, and supported by David Jones is proudly brought to you by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation.
An immersive journey of our great landscape – the content as a body. Tributing the rich ochre tones of the land to calming turquoise of the rivers building to the energetic deep blue of the sea. Country is, and will always be our source of pride and inspiration.
With an exclusive performance from the iconic Jessica Mauboy, and a visual treat from First Nations artist Wayne Quilliam and Darwin based production house Global Headquarters, the runway is brought to life with Creative Direction from Eastern Arrernte woman, Shilo McNamee alongside Al Weekes, Head Runway Stylist and Yorta Yorta man Rhys Ripper, and Producer Cat Rose.
Banner artwork | River Sands by Shilo McNamee.
Magnolia Maymuru in Kirrikin by Amanda Healy, Photo by Getty Images
Kirrikin
By Amanda Healy
The Wonnarua designer built Kirrikin on an ethos of joy, pride, connection and community. Kirrikin is both a resort wear brand and a social enterprise, encapsulating the essence of summer through beautiful artworks by Aboriginal artists from throughout Australia. Upcoming collection Ripples:
“The impact our community is having on the fashion industry, the positive messages we are sending through fashion is creating ripples. The colours in this palette will remind us that Ripples are freshwater, and expect to see gorgeous blues and deep pinks, creams and entering into purple hues. Maybe the next collection will be called Waves?”
Jenaya Okpalanze in Native Swimwear by Natalie Cunningham, Photo by Getty Images
Native Swimwear Australia
By Natalie Cunningham
Birpi and Ngarabal woman Natalie works directly with Aboriginal artists and Art Centres to create extraordinary swimwear designs that celebrate the richness and diversity of First Nations cultures. In 2015, Native Swimwear was the first Aboriginal label in history to showcase at New York Fashion Week and has worked hard to lead the way in sustainability and fair trade, through exclusive licences to original artwork to ensure artists and their communities benefit from sales. nativeswimwearaustralia.com.au
Sam Harris in Ngali by Denni Francisco, Photo by Wayne Quilliam
Ngali
By Denni Francisco
Led by Wiradjuri woman Denni, Ngali collections evolve through the lens of Yindayamarra – fashion that shows respect, is polite, considered, gentle to Country and honours the cross Country collaborations with other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. Upcoming collection Ngina:
“Ngina translates to ‘here’ or ‘this’ in Wiradjuri language. The collection acknowledges that we are ‘here’ today because of the footsteps laid down by our Ancestors. The prints in the collection acknowledge that ‘this’ is how we share the stories of First Nations creativity, that together we create with meaning and purpose.”
Mason Ping in Liandra Swim by Liandra Gaykamangu, Photo by Getty Images
Liandra Swim
By Liandra Gaykamangu
Fusing sun, surf and culture. Yolngu designer Liandra Gaykamangu, from North-East Arnhem Land, creates signature prints inspired by her culture and Indigenous women. Each piece tells a unique story, combining 21st century fashion, with the Aboriginal pastime of storytelling and an ethical and eco-conscious footprint. Upcoming collection Deep Sea:
“Tectonic plates interact together and apart to rumble deep on our sea bed floors, across the globe. Our Deep Sea Collection metaphorically represents this connection and movement. In particular, our collection represents the relationships between people from across the globe. Just like tectonic plates, humanity continues to interact, apart and together and through new and old channels.”
Liandra Swim is proudly supported by Dive Air!
Nathan McGuire in MAARA Collective by Julie Shaw, Photo by Getty Images
MAARA Collective
By Julie Shaw
MAARA Collective is named to acknowledge and honour the ‘many hands’ involved in the creative and collaborative processes, Yuwaalaraay Creative Director Julie Shaw works closely with Indigenous artists and creatives, drawing inspiration from Country to present within the context of contemporary fashion. shop.maaracollective.com
With Thanks to:
Afterpay Australian Fashion Week
Presenting Partner, Afterpay
Supporting Partner, David Jones
Creative Director, Shilo McNamee
Creative Director Consultant, Al Weekes
Producer, Cat Rose
Head Stylist, Rhys Ripper
Assistant Stylist, Garth Ernstzen
Mob In Fashion Supporting Stylists, Ebony Noirre, Grace Evans, Keira Gentle
Guest Performer, Jessica Mauboy
Photographer & Videographer, Wayne Quilliam
Videography, Global Headquarters
Video Editor, Dan Sharp
BOH Photographers, Joshua Howlett and Angela Arlow
Musical Director, Gary Sinclair
Acknowledgement of Country, Yvonne Weldon
Floor Artwork ‘River Sands’, Shilo McNamee
IFP Consultant, Niki Williams
Floral Arrangement, Tracey Deep
Movement Director, Nathan McGuire
Makeup Director, Lara Srokowski, Lancôme
Makeup Sponsor, Lancôme
Hair Director, Kristy Hodgson, Redken
Hair Sponsor, Redken
With special thanks to Amber Sceats courtesy of David Jones, Rollie, Dinosaur Designs, Steve Madden, and Yanggurdi.