The mission of Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Inc (SWMQ) is to promote and preserve the cultural heritage of the Nunagal, Ngugi, and Goenbal peoples of Quandamooka Country. By operating a strong and sustainable Aboriginal contemporary visual art centre, SWMQ facilitates cultural productions and professional development opportunities for Quandamooka artists. These artists serve as the storytellers of their community, conveying individual and collective memories through their artistic works and dance performances.

Their latesy collection, Yarabinjara Sea Country, reflects stories passed down from mother to daughter, highlighting cultural relationships and familial connections to Quandamooka Yarabinjara – Ngaliya (Our) Sea Country. Documented by artist and author Dr. Sandra Delaney, the designs feature the tjuleen shell used by Mirapul, the wind caller, and depict the family’s knowledge of the land and sea of Quandamooka Country. 

“Salt Water Murri Quandamooka’s participation [in Country to Couture] is seen as a significant opportunity to connect with First Nations arts and culture in contemporary ways through showcase our visual stories on textiles.  Given that Quandamooka youth arts workers are involved in this event will help them to be inspired and to provide them with professional development opportunities. Wearable art is a highly visible platform for young Quandamooka people to see First Nations role models and the celebration of art and culture at events. Investment in textile design for wearable art is an investment in the social and emotional wellbeing of Quandamooka young people aspiring to be artists and arts workers.The project is an opportunity to support artists and arts workers to be community leaders and role models.” – Salt Water Murris Quandamooka.

Proudly Yolngu; Bula’bula Arts, is situated in Ramingining within Gurrwiliny (Arafura wetlands) and is part of Northeast Arnhem Land. Their mission is to foster Yolngu culture. Bula’bula represents strong professional artists producing high quality artworks telling stories of cultural lore learned through song and dance.

Black Cat Couture (NT) is a Darwin based clothing designer specialising in Top End Indigenous textiles. Marcia Russell, the person behind the brand, loves using vintage sewing patterns in her work and she often combines the aesthetic of the 1950s – 1990s with First Nations fabrics to create interesting and unique outfits. Since 2017 Marcia has been working in remote NT communities teaching women and young people how to sew and working with Art Centres to create vibrant fashion collections to showcase their wonderful art and textiles.

Lomuyirr – Soar draws inspiration from the breathtaking flight of birds, bats, and butterflies in Ramingining. Celebrating these magnificent creatures, Black Cat Couture has crafted a stunning collection featuring garments adorned with hand-painted and screen-printed elements by Yolngu artists.

“Being able to work alongside Bula’bula artists and work on this collection on Country is a truly enriching opportunity. I am proud to be able to bring my design and sewing skills to the ‘Lomuyirr – Soar’ project and support local creative talent.” – Marcia Russell, Black Cat Couture.

Fashion Designer Colleen Tighe Johnson founded Buluuy Mirrii in 2008. A proud Gomeroi Yinarr from rural Moree, NSW, now residing in Tamworth, NSW, Colleen harnesses her creative talents to revive Gomeroi Dreaming Stories through fashion. Each collection is a visual expression of Aboriginal culture and collaboration. Buluuy Mirrii, meaning ‘black star’ in Gamilaraay, weaves the past, present, and future of Aboriginal culture, respect for mother earth, and sustainable practices. The brand’s core values are respect, family, culture, pride, and community, showcasing Gomeroi Dreaming Stories to a global audience with a growing appetite for Aboriginal design.

“Being part of Country to Couture is a privilege… Buluuy Mirrii’s Seven Sisters collection has the opportunity to showcase alongside other First Nations designer’s sharing their stories, label’s and designs on this prestige platform.” – Colleen Tighe Johnson.

Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts and Helen Kaminski have come together to collaborate and celebrate fibre works and their place in traditional and contemporary functionality and adornment.

“Our collection is merging two independent collaborations into one celebration of creativity.”

Helen Kaminski and Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts began collaborating on a limited-edition range of hats and bags about 12 months ago. 

“We have all come together with a shared belief in the power of creativity to promote and strengthen Indigenous fashion and knowledge both within our respective local communities and on a national scale.”

Expect to see the traditional fibre work reinterpreted, sculptural silhouettes created in pandanus, accessories that blend raffia and pandanus together, bush dyed and upcycled garments and most of all a joyful celebration of resourcefulness, tradition, and creativity.