Carried by Our Matriarchs – From Legacy we Rise.
Bábbarra Women’s Centre, ‘Kunkare – Bolkkime – Malayi’ (Past – Present – Future)’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres
Carried by Our Matriarchs – From Legacy we Rise.
Bábbarra Women’s Centre, ‘Kunkare – Bolkkime – Malayi’ (Past – Present – Future)’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres
Carried by Our Matriarchs – From Legacy we Rise.
There is a rhythm carried by women.
It moves in the passing of knowledge from one pair of hands to another. In the quiet hum of sewing machines.
In the care, the teaching and carrying culture forward.
It lives in the gathering bush medicines, in healing and renewing.
Women who walk with wisdom between land and sea, have long gathered, made, healed and taught. Their lives are intertwined with Country and community, weaving culture into each day.
Carrying stories in their hands, knowledge in their voices, and culture in the quiet rhythm of making. They hold beauty, strength and ceremony, breathing life into practices carried quietly across generations.
This runway celebrates the artistry of women, their collaboration, their lore. An honouring of matriarchal strength and the grace of Ancestral knowledge moving through the sacred cycles of Blak women.
Meet the Designers
Click the images below to learn more.
Anindilyakwa Arts x Anna Reynolds
Bábbarra Women’s Centre
Badu Art Centre
Mermaid Collective
Jaymee-Lee Chaquebor
LULUJARU
MumRed
Nagula Jarndu Designs
Off The Plantation
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Women Of The Rivers
Anindilyakwa Arts x Anna Reynolds
Bábbarra Women’s Centre
Badu Art Centre
Mermaid Collective
Jaymee-Lee Chaquebor
LULUJARU
MumRed
Nagula Jarndu Designs
Off The Plantation
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Women Of The Rivers
Show Credits
SHOW TEAM
Michelle Maynard, Belinda Cook, Cassie Black, Jake Powers, Kartika Christophers, Rhiana Powers, Bonnie Starick, Minnie Floss
CREATIVE TEAM
Creative Director – Simon Carmichael
Choreographer – Balla Neba
Director of Event – Sammy Perry
Head Stylists – Michelle Maynard, Belinda Cook
Welcome to Country – Cyan Lee, James Cubillo
Music Director – James Mangohig
Audio Visual and Lighting Design – Liam Maher Dreamedia
Projection – Shane Eecen and Northern Lights NT
Hair & Makeup Team Director – Kat Lee
PRODUCTION TEAM
Show Producer – Tiff Manzie ,Global Headquarters
Stage Management – Alira McKenzie, Global Headquarters
Event Lead and Management – Reahn Hayman
Marketing & Communications – Ellie Meyer, Mae Ganambarr, Lauren Rogers, Dylan Buckee
Photography – Dylan Buckee, Michael Jalaru Torres, Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis, James Alberts, Nina Fitzgerald
Publicity – Bastion Amplify
Videography – Global Headquarters, Blakground Productions
Shoes Provided by – Country Road
FEATURING ARTISTS
Works by – Lucy Simpson, Shellie Morris, Larry Gurruwiwi, Vernon Gurruwiwi, Nadine Lee
PRESENTED BY
Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) a program of
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation
SUPPORTED BY
Country Road
Northern Territory Government through Tourism and Events NT
Venue Partner – Charles Darwin University
Production Partners – Northern Lights NT, Global Headquarters and Fusion Exhibitions,
Premium Media Partner – Peppermint Magazine
Ticketing Partner – Darwin Fringe Festival
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Anindilyakwa Arts x Anna Reynolds
Dadikwakwa-kwa Collection
No strangers to fans of Country to Couture, the amazing artists of Anindilyakwa Arts on Groote Eylandt are back!
Working with long-term collaborator Anna Reynolds, the Dadikwakwa-kwa Collection reimagines Doll Shell forms, colours, and symbolism through textile, silhouette, and accessories.
The Doll Shells (Dadikwakwa-kwa) are part of a collection of 174 cultural objects that, in 2023, were formally returned to representatives of the Anindilyakwa community by the Manchester Museum, UK.
This re-discovering of the Dadikwakwa-kwa led the Women’s art program at Umbakumba and Angurugu to reinvigorate and revitalise this traditional practice.
The Dadikwakwa-kwa collection continues the journey of the Doll Shell, supporting Anindilyakwa cultural strengthening and preservation.
Follow their journey here: @anindilyakwa_arts | anindilyakwaarts.com.au
Image: Anindilyakwa Arts x Anna Reynolds, ‘Dadikwakwa-kwa Collection’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Bábbarra Women’s Centre
Kunkare – Bolkkime – Malayi
(Past – Present – Future)
Bábbarra Women’s Centre, based in Maningrida, return to Country to Couture with ‘Kunkare – Bolkkime – Malayi’ (Past-Present-Future). The collection honours 40 years of Bábbarra Women’s creativity, with collaborations connecting generations and communities across continents.
The textiles featured in this collection draw from a range of lino print designs created over the past 40 years, translated into a striking library of woodblock prints through collaboration with Tharangini Studio – all the way in Bangalore, India!
At the heart of the collection is intergenerational mentoring, where grandmothers and mothers pass on skills and culture, ensuring the legacy of past generations continues through the artists’ work.
Bábbarra’s own youth designers, Young Daluk, have contributed to this collection by designing, selecting fabrics, and patternmaking, creating a bridge between current and future generations.
Follow their journey here: @babbarradesigns | babbarra.com
Image: Bábbarra Women’s Centre, ‘Kunkare – Bolkkime – Malayi’ (Past – Present – Future)’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Badu Art Centre
Bami Thaynamul – Rags to Riches
Making their Country to Couture debut this year is Badu Art Centre, from Badu Island, Wakaid.
Badu is known for the strength of their lino carving, the hallmark of Badu’s (predominantly male) artists since the 2000s. But in the background of this carving, is the hum of the sewing machines of the women, running up bright comfortable dresses for their daughters and mothers, tablecloths for special village occasions, or anything to-order for their neighbours.
The collection ‘Bami Thaynamul – Rags to Riches’ builds on this tradition, bringing community stories and ‘Island cool’ to the runway.
The results? Beautiful prints designed by Badu Art Centre and their community members that tell stories from their Island on a range of size inclusive, easy to wear linen garments. All designed, screen printed and sewn by the artists at the Art Centre on Badu Island. And with collaborations from textile designers Catherine Wright, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins and Mark Cawood (from Publisher Textiles).
Follow their journey here: @baduarts | www.baduartcentre.com.au
Image: Badu Art Centre, ‘Bami Thaynamul – Rags to Riches’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Bobbi Lockyer x Skye Lockyer x Mali Isabel
The Mermaid Collective
The Mermaid Collective is an Aboriginal owned creative collaboration bringing together contemporary fashion, wearable art and cultural storytelling.
Founded by artists Bobbi Lockyer, Skye Lockyer and Mali Isabel, the collective merges vibrant aesthetics with strong cultural narratives. A celebration of identity, creativity and community, sharing Aboriginal stories through contemporary design.
Based in Garamilla, their collection explores ocean energy, movement and connection to water. Inspired by saltwater Country, mermaid mythology and the power of cultural storytelling, the collection blends streetwear aesthetics with handcrafted details such as beadwork, weaving, embroidery and texture.
The designs celebrate individuality, femininity and strength while embracing bold colour, shimmer and playful expression, bringing a vibrant and contemporary Aboriginal voice to the runway.
Follow their journeys here: @bobbilockyer | @skyelockyer | @maliisabelart | www.bobbilockyer.com | maliisabelart.com
Image: Bobbi Lockyer x Skye Lockyer x Mali Isabel, ‘The Mermaid Collective’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Jaymee-Lee Chaquebor
Jarrabinmy
Jaymee-Lee Chaquebor is a Bardi woman from Djarindjin, whose work is an expression of her culture, rooted in Country, and driven by community.
Working with Bidyadanga Artists, the Art Centre is a vibrant and growing collective from the largest remote Aboriginal community in Western Australia—Bidyadanga, situated on the beautiful Kimberley coast. The community has a long and rich history in arts and culture.
Her collection Jarrabinmy, is deeply rooted in Bardi culture, storytelling and the relationship between land and sea.
Each garment is inspired by the knowledge passed down to her by her elders, with artwork reflecting how they use the land to guide hunting and gathering practices.
Together, the garments are a celebration of strength, spirit and connection, honouring the women who walk with wisdom between land and sea.
Image: Jaymee-Lee Chaquebor, ‘Jarrabinmy’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
LULUJARU
RARE Earth Collection
LULUJARU is a First Nations fashion label from the Kimberley, Western Australia, founded by Jaru and Kija woman Cissy Gore-Birch.
Rooted in Country and guided by culture, LULUJARU celebrates the strength and creativity of matriarchal leadership through sustainable, story-driven design.
Each garment blends traditional meaning with contemporary style, using natural fibres such as hemp and organic cotton.
Cissy also works with her eldest son, Scott Gore-Birch, the emerging artist, behind the designs representing the various species of ‘cultural significance’.
The collection RARE Earth reflects the colours, textures, and stories of Country, expressing connection, resilience, and identity.
Follow their journey here: @official_lulujaru | www.lulujaru.com.au
Image: LULUJARU, ‘RARE Earth Collection’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
MumRed, Samala Cronin
Flow State
Samala Thakialee Cronin is a proud Butchulla, Woppaburra and Lardil woman, and the founder of MumRed – a fashion and wellness company with a core focus on body sovereignty, cultural storytelling and elevating the matriarchy.
Since launching MumRed in 2023, her work has moved from grassroots activism and climate advocacy to global recognition in the world of fashion, challenging the industry to make space for self-determined First Nations representation.
The Flow State Collection is MumRed’s first commercially produced fashion line, supported by funding from the Flourish First Nations Fashion and Textile Fund.
Designed to honour and celebrate our Sacred Cycles, the collection offers garments created for every stage of the menstrual cycle. Blending cultural knowledge with contemporary design, Flow State elevates the matriarchy through clothing that embodies comfort, strength and femininity.
Rooted in MumRed’s ethos of cultural reclamation and care, the collection connects fashion with bodily sovereignty, empowering women to move through their cycles with confidence, dignity and cultural pride.
Follow her journey here: @mumred_the_label | www.mumred.com.au
Image: MumRed, ‘Flow State’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Nagula Jarndu Designs
My Country – My Story
Nagula Jarndu (Saltwater Woman in Yawuru) is a 100% Indigenous owned not for-profit Aboriginal women’s arts and resource centre in Broome, Western Australia.
12 Nagula Jarndu artists invited 7 emerging guest designers to collaborate with them in the studio through a national call out and application process.
Each guest designer was paired with two artists. The artist’s job was to share the story of their unique hand block print, welcome their collaborator to Country and bring them into the studio community. The guest designers job was to respond directly to the print in creating the shape and type of garment, sharing their expert pattern making, sewing and construction skills to Nagula Jarndu.
This collaboration created deep understanding and long lasting friendships. It honours the stories and Country these garments were conceived on.
Nagula Jarndu artists:
▪️Aaliyah Richardson and Marie Manado collaborated with guest designer Stella Reardon
▪️Amanda Rose Lee collaborated with guest designer Adele Varcoe
▪️Dena Gower and Kathleen Holzhauser collaborated with guest designer Masoomah Jawid
▪️Cecelia Tigan and Ebony Pierik collaborated with guest designer Keira Gentle
▪️Lorraine Hunter and Rona Bin Hitam collaborated with guest designer Tahlia Overstone
▪️Martha Lee and Rowena Puertollano collaborated with guest designer Judith Lambooy
▪️And Sara Brooke collaborated with guest designer Ellie Thomas
Follow their journey here: @nagulajarndu | www.nagulajarndu.com.au
Image: Nagula Jarndu Designs, ‘My Country – My Story’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Off The Plantation
Blackbird
Natisha Tabua is a proud Torres Strait Islander Woman from the Kalkalgul Nations with respects to her Papuan and Fijian Indian heritages. Combining her core values, sustainable practice and couture craftsmanship, Tabua’s designs are works of art.
Her brand ‘Off The Plantation’ draws its name from the lyrics to ‘No Vaseline’ by Ice Cube, speaking to the intergenerational trauma that Indigenous Peoples face today. Tabua references her Fijian Indian heritage during the slave laboured indenture in the 1800’s, and the Blackbirding of her people in the Melanesian region.
She states that, “My privilege of being born in the modern world adheres to the idea of being born ‘off the plantation’, where I am able to identify and understand my trauma, and use it to create something beautiful and meaningful.”
Tabua describes her collection ‘Blackbird’ as her re-birth, a free expression of her own creativity and guidance. Constructing each garment herself, from start to finish, Tabua creates an intimate space between herself and the craftsmanship of fashion.
She builds off of her time spent in the industry, hoping to inspire others to also pursue their dreams. The collection features regal silhouettes, fitted and draped from the waist down. Garments that are inspired by, made for, and created by empowered women.
Follow her journey here: @nateesha_
Image: Off The Plantation, ‘Blackbird’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Boonkaj II
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts will return to the Country to Couture runway, with Boonkaj II, a collection designed by three generations of Miriwoong women, including award winnings artists Peggy Madij Griffiths, Agnes Yamboong Armstrong and Delany Ngugunuk Griffiths.
Boonkaj is the Miriwoong word meaning ‘emerging’ or ‘coming out’. A regenerative project honouring cultural heritage and storytelling while enabling new artistic expressions and directly supporting the well-being, economic livelihoods and potential of Indigenous women from Miriwoong Country in the East Kimberley.
This collection takes its inspiration from bush medicines found in Miriwoong Country. From on Country trips to collect and share cultural knowledge, these plants have been drawn and developed into screenprint designs, reflecting the rich colours of Country.
Entirely designed, developed and printed on Miriwoong Country, Boonkaj II works natural fibres into simple, elegant garments that celebrate Miriwoong women’s cultural heritage and storytelling.
Follow their journey here: @waringarri_arts | www.waringarriarts.com.au
Image: Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, ‘Boonkaj II’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
Arts Northern Rivers – Jasmin Stanford x Kylie Caldwell x Val Smith
Women Of The Rivers
The Women of the Rivers collection is created by Kylie Caldwell, Jasmin Stanford and Val Smith — three Bundjalung women artists, designers and weavers.
Inspired by waterways, weaving, and native plants, their designs honour women’s knowledge and the life-giving spirit of Country. A celebration of strength, story, and style through three signature looks from each designer.
Every garment is thoughtfully woven with quality-crafted cultural and contemporary adornments, honoring tradition while embracing modernity.
The collection was developed with mentorship and strategic support from Arts Northern Rivers, a regional development arts organisation covering the Northern Rivers region.
Follow their journeys here: www.artsnorthernrivers.com.au | @kyliecaldwell.art | @jasminstanford | @val_smith_art | @artsnr
Image: Arts Northern Rivers, Jasmin Stanford x Kylie Caldwell x Val Smith, ‘Women of the Rivers’, Country to Couture, Show 1, 2026, Photo by Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis
