Yalanji Artists and Linda Jackson AO have created a collection inspired by the diverse rainforest and ocean environments of Kuku Yalanji Country.

“This collection is inspired by the richly diverse rainforest and ocean environments of Kuku Yalanji Country stretching from the World Heritage-listed Daintree National Park to the Great Barrier Reef.”

Their designs tell stories of cultural significance and personal histories, featuring the Cassowary and Dugong, as well as Dilly Bags and Fish Traps. The collection highlights high-quality linen-cotton textiles transformed into unique shapes, oversized hats, and hand-painted bags, showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Yalanji people.

“Designer Linda Jackson AO has been collaborating with the artists to transform their high-quality, linen-cotton textiles into unusual, simple shapes with matching oversized hats and hand-painted bags showing off their art on cloth.”

Yalanji Arts, based in Mossman Gorge on the border of the Daintree National Park, supports and promotes cultural artistry through regional, national, and international exhibitions.

Samala Thakialee Cronin, a Woppaburra and Butchulla Saltwater woman from Queensland’s Keppel Islands and Kgari, has crafted MumRed to celebrate the strength, resilience, and grace of matriarchal heritage through cultural haute couture.

Her creations feature intricately woven and beaded designs using traditional materials like eco-dyed grass, feathers, and shells on luxurious repurposed fabrics such as velvet and silk. MumRed, embracing self-sovereignty and divine femininity, honours the essence of her heritage with bold colours and intricate patterns. The Fractured Country collection, reflects ancestral wisdom and traditional song and dance, paying tribute to the enduring spirit and legacy of Samala’s matriarchs.

“For MumRed, participating in the Country to Couture Runway is an opportunity to showcase the beauty, resilience, strength and grace of our Matriarchy – to continue the stories of our bloodlines. Being part of Country to Couture is more than showcasing fashion—it’s about amplifying the voices of our people and nurturing an understanding and appreciation for the intricate layers of our culture and traditions.”

Gammin Threads is a staunch aunty label, celebrating a love of typography and pop culture with bold colours, cheeky ‘IYKYK humour,’ and messages that address issues affecting mob. This brand goes beyond clothing, embodying pride, women’s empowerment, and community spirit.

Tahnee, the designer and owner of Gammin Threads, is based on Wurundjeri country. She is dedicated to honouring her culture through fashion, incorporating playful and innovative elements that challenge conventional views of Aboriginal design.

Jarra Karalinar Steel is a multidisciplinary artist from Boonwurrung Country. Her work delves into identity, memories, future folklore, and Blak Futurism, reflecting her experiences growing up in Melbourne and living on country, enriched by knowledge passed down through her family and Elders.

The iilk (Eel) spring/summer collection features artwork from Jarra’s 2021 Rising Melbourne Art tram design. Inspired by childhood stories of the eel’s journey cycles and its role as a food source for the Boonwurrung, this collection envisions the eels reclaiming their place along Melbourne’s tram lines, blending tradition with contemporary urban landscapes.

Dandaloo Su is a First Nations art, fashion, and community education business based on Wiradjuri Country in Wellington, NSW. The brand, founded by Su Lousick, focuses on native and Indigenous fauna and flora from western NSW, aiming to bring native fibres, fibre crafts, and cultural practices to the world stage. Su Lousick collaborates closely with family to showcase their stories, which deeply inform her work.

For Country to Couture 2024, Su’s collection, titled Coat of Arms, Gilgais and Western NSW, aims to raise awareness about the impact of land clearing on native fauna, flora, and gilgais—ephemeral ponds that were once widespread in western NSW but are now nearing extinction.

This collection is a collaboration between Su Lousick and Jodie Peckham, creator of DandiArt. Both artists are members of the Wiradjuri Nation and have familial ties to Dandaloo on the Bogan River, which inspired their business names. Their collaboration began after Jodie attended Country to Couture in Darwin in 2023, leading to ongoing discussions and the development of this joint project.

“I feel privileged being a part of Country to Couture and grateful for the safe space it provides to share my culture and heritage values.”

Cassie Leatham, a Djaara/Daungwurrung woman of the Kulin nation residing on Gunai Kurnai Country, is a multidisciplinary artist and designer known for her work in fashion and jewellery. As an award-winning artist, she focuses on sustainable, upcycled fashion through bush solar dyeing and the use of natural resources. Her label, Yanggurdi, emphasises environmental responsibility with no carbon footprints, using weaving and storytelling patterns to convey the impacts of climate change and seasonal changes in the landscape.

“To connect and share my journey through a multidisciplinary career and share important messages through fashion design.” 

Yanggurdi is dedicated to creating sustainable, upcycled fashion that reflects the ever-changing colours of the landscape and climate change. By incorporating native grass fibres and traditional weaving techniques, the brand honours past practices and uses visual storytelling through fashion adornments.

The collection, Gumak Biik, features mica and ochre screen printing on organic linen and cotton, dyed with natural plant dyes in earthen clay pots using creek and river waters. This meticulous process shares the stories of the land’s colours and changes, aiming to inspire future generations while committing too environmental and cultural conservation.

Blaklabel Dreaming, an Aboriginal-owned and family-run business, transforms unique Aboriginal art into lasting clothing, homewares, and accessories. The brand celebrates Indigenous culture, empowers communities, and creates treasured pieces while fostering strong relationships and showcasing cultural beauty globally.

The Yarrudhamarra collection, created by Kristie Peters, draws on the Wiradjuri word for “Dream” to represent the love for family, community, and personal journeys. This collection embodies the resilience and positivity of individuals navigating their paths, focusing on the strength gained through challenges and the importance of staying true to oneself.

Yarrudhamarra serves as a powerful reminder of the positive impact of family and community on one’s life.

“I use my art as a way to express myself and my cultural identity for all Australians to understand the special connection we have with the our country and our commitment to family and community.”

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins is a First Nations artist and designer residing and working on Quandamooka Country. Her work transcends mere marks on a page; it embodies a deep connection to country and encapsulates the essence of the Quandamooka people. Delvene’s creations convey stories, culture, heritage, and techniques that have been passed down through generations by her mother Evelyn and her grandmother Bethel.

In 1974, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins’ grandmother wrote about “dilly bag and mat making as Granny did.” This inspiration will be central to Delvene’s new collection. The garments will feature a blend of techniques, including traditional mat and dilly bag making, incorporating these methods into the fabrics and fibres. Additionally, the collection will include prints of Delvene’s great-great-grandmother’s woven basket, which is over 100 years old and housed in the local museum.

Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) is a not-for-profit Art Centre, proudly Aboriginal owned and directed. It is home of the Namatjira watercolour artists who continue to paint in the tradition of their grandfather and relative, Albert Namatjira, arguably one of Australia’s most famous artists of the 20th century. Albert Namatjira taught his children to follow in his unique style, who have since passed this knowledge on to their children, which has resonated in a legacy of watercolour artists in the Central Desert region. By continuing his legacy, these artists sustain an important piece of living history.

Their latest collection reflects a blend of pop culture and traditional knowledge. It showcases how the artists’ responses to their daily lives have evolved from classic watercolour techniques into an innovative fashion collection.

Guided by Senior Artist and Artistic Director Dellina Inkamala and Vanessa Inkamala, the collection is a collaborative effort involving emerging artists Dianne Inkamala, Delray Inkamala, Mandy Malbunka, Lindy Brodie, and Mona Lisa Clements, highlighting a fusion of tradition and contemporary flair.

“Country to Couture is a platform that allows us to share our creative expression to a wider audience, bringing a deep sense of pride and accomplishment.”

Sarrita King is a proud Gurindji Waanyi woman residing on Larrakia Country, who has been a contemporary artist for over 17 years. Her work is deeply rooted in storytelling, culture, and landscape. Sarrita unashamedly blends past and present methods to develop a future style for all generations to enjoy.

Alice van Meurs, who has been designing for her independent fashion label EDITION since 2011 on Ngunnawal and Ngambri Country, shares a long-standing friendship with Sarrita. Both Alice and Sarrita, who now juggle their time between family and their home studios, have a mutual love for art and design. EDITION places sustainability at its core, focusing on eco-friendly fabrics, zero-waste pattern making, and ethical garment construction.

For Country to Couture, Sarrita’s new collection draws inspiration from her original lightning paintings. The garments feature hand-painted and screen-printed artworks that reflect the movement and intensity of the paintings with bold, simplified line work. Alice will translate the dynamic elements of Sarrita’s art into wearable pieces, creating intriguing shapes and silhouettes to showcase Sarrita’s distinctive style.

“Country to Couture is a great chance for me to showcase another side of my art practice, allowing me to bring my stories to fashion. I’ve had a long career in painting, and this opportunity to work alongside a friend and bring something fresh and new to my own Darwin community is beyond exciting.” – Sarrita King.

Alice van Meurs adds, “It has been a dream for many years to be a part of Country to Couture. To finally be designing and making garments for it is incredible, and to be doing it with Sarrita makes it so special.”

Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts is a remote Art Centre in East Arnhem Land, established in 2007. Owned by its Yolŋu members and governed by a Yolŋu Board, the centre employs a Manager and Arts Workers and supports over one hundred artists from Gapuwiyak and surrounding homelands.

Aly de Groot, a contemporary fibre artist, academic, and educator, is dedicated to practising, promoting, and preserving fibre work and sustainable textile practices. She works closely with the skilled fibre artists at Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts, employing a methodology known as ‘Baman ga Yuta (old ways, new ways)’ to celebrate and share Yolŋu culture on Country, within the community, and on catwalks.

“Our project is truly in the spirit of the name Country to Couture,” says Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts. “We are on Country and will work together to produce another amazing collection. We do things on Country, not the City, and we want our cultural ways honoured.”

“Witnessing the weavers and their families in spontaneous fashion shows on Country and community, all laughing and proud, is the biggest joy and privilege to behold.” – Aly de Groot.

Yarrenyty Arltere Artists is a vital place for the community of Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

Working in soft sculpture, textiles, work on paper and film, this vibrant Art Center as part of Tangentyere Council, has given opportunity and voice and income to people that too often find themselves marginalised.

Rich in personality and defiance, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists continues to be shaped by the artists that hold it strongly and proudly as their own. It is a place where people come together to make art, work out problems, look after family and plan for their future.

“Our collection will make you smile, like our artwork does… Each outfit will be accompanied by a soft sculptural wearable piece such as a vest, hat, bag, slippers, jacket. These sculptural pieces will all be hand embroidered in the same way our sculptures are, by us slowly, with care, humour and love.”

Located in the Northern Peninsula Area of Queensland, the Art Centre is a unique platform where fashion becomes a medium for representing two cultures simultaneously.

The collection, Big Colours, distinguishes itself with hand-painted silk designs, reflecting a commitment to crafting distinctive fashion. This collection is designed with a focus on celebrating and accommodating larger body types, fulfilling a significant desire among the artists.

Magpie Goose is owned and managed by Amanda Hayman (Wakka Wakka/Kalkadoon) and Troy Casey (Kamilaroi). As an Aboriginal-owned social enterprise the focus is on creating impact – through economic opportunities, storytelling and conscious fashion. They collaborate with Aboriginal artists in regional and remote communities to create statement clothing. Their unique garments are hand screen printed on natural fibres and ethically made in Australia.

Ewyenper Atwatye is the Central Arrernte place name for Hidden Valley, based in Mparntwe (Alice Springs).

“Ewyenper is the spearwood tree on the hills and Atwatye means gap because the camp is between two hills.” – Tim McNamara.

In 2015, the art centre established a textile enterprise called Hidden Valley Town Camp. It is a satellite project of Tangentyere Artists. They are known to produce high-quality screen printed textiles and are the creators of the very popular “Bush car take you everywhere” T-shirt. With a recognisable style of bold line work, and comic-like images mixed with text.

The Magpie Goose collaboration with Ewyenper Atwatye (Hidden Valley) artists are both eye-catching and fun! This collection features designs inspired by the desert landscape of Mparntwe (Alice Springs), memories of mustering, adventures of camping, local plants, animals, and more!

“Being part of Country to Couture means celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture through vibrant designs, weaving stories of our land and heritage into every stitch.”

Bula’Bula Arts, proudly Yolngu and located in Ramingining within the Gurrwiliny (Arafura wetlands) of Northeast Arnhem Land, is dedicated to nurturing Yolngu culture. The centre showcases the talents of professional artists who produce high-quality artworks that convey stories of cultural lore through song and dance.

The collection Lomuyirr – Soar draws inspiration from the ascending flight of birds, bats, and butterflies in Ramingining. Designed by Black Cat Couture, this collection features garments adorned with hand-painted and screen-printed elements by Yolngu artists. The designs evoke the exhilaration and freedom of flight, with pieces that float and flow on the runway, capturing the feeling of weightlessness and interconnectedness with the sky.

“Bula’Bula Arts takes great pride in collaborating with Black Cat Couture for the Lomuyirr – Soar collection, furthering our mission to foster and share Yolngu culture. We are thrilled to contribute to this esteemed, national event, standing alongside other First Nation talents.” – Bula’Bula Arts.

Marcia Russell, the designer behind Black Cat Couture, is based in Darwin and specialises in Top End Indigenous textiles. Combining vintage sewing patterns with First Nations fabrics, Marcia creates unique outfits that reflect both historical and contemporary influences. Since 2017, she has worked with remote NT communities, teaching sewing skills and collaborating with art centres to produce vibrant fashion collections.

“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.

The collection Eleraze embodis Sonya Coleman’s profound connection to the ocean and her family’s tradition of making decisions based on the tide.

Sonya, a Wirangu/Kokatha/Mirning woman from Ceduna, SA, combined her passions for art and swimming/diving to create minimalist and connected textile designs inspired by her underwater experiences. She collaborated with Amna Qureshi and Melanie Sarantou, who contributed their expertise in digital textile designs and media art. Together, they present textiles and garments that celebrated the Far West Coast’s natural beauty, blending art, culture, and environmental harmony.

Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Inc (SWMQ) is dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of the Nunagal, Ngugi, and Goenbal peoples of Quandamooka Country. As a leading Aboriginal contemporary visual art centre, SWMQ supports Quandamooka artists in their cultural and professional development, facilitating the creation of artworks and performances that narrate the stories and memories of their people.

Yarabinjara Sea Country designs reflect ancestral stories passed from mother to daughter, embodying the cultural ties to Quandamooka Yarabinjara (Our Sea Country) and connections across Queensland and northern New South Wales. Featuring symbols such as the tjuleen shell, used by Mirapul to call the wind, and scenes of fishing with ngandaygul (mullet), the designs capture the rich knowledge of Quandamooka Country’s land and sea.

Sandra Delaney’s artworks convey her deep connection to the region, while Shara’s designs use bright colours to reflect the beauty of Quandamooka sea Country.

“Our stories handed down by our family include ceremonies, teachings, and cultural practices that have always been and will always be. While they still are there, new ways of sharing culture emerge—new stories, new art forms to pass on knowledge. Our designs are a new way of speaking and it stems from the foundation of what always has been.”

Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts and Helen Kaminski have joined forces to celebrate fibre works and their roles in traditional and contemporary functionality and adornment.

Helen Kaminski, an Australian accessories label established in 1983, is renowned for its handmade hats and bags crafted from Madagascan raffia by a network of artisans in Sri Lanka. Over the past year, Helen Kaminski and Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts have collaborated on a limited-edition range of hats and bags.

This new collection merges these independent collaborations into one celebration of creativity, combining traditional fibre work with innovative designs. The result will feature sculptural silhouettes created from pandanus, accessories blending raffia and pandanus, bush-dyed and upcycled garments, and a joyful celebration of resourcefulness, tradition, and creativity.

“We are honoured to be a part of a collaborative process working with a group of exceptional First Nations artists to create a collection that promotes creativity and celebrates fibre arts as an important touchstone between the past and the present.” – Helen Kaminski.

Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts says, “We are trying some new ways, like using bush dye on recycled fabrics with Aly, and at the same time, we remember the old ways that our old people showed us,”—a sentiment echoed by Helen Kaminski, who believes, “Community is central to our business ethos at Helen Kaminski. Combining the work of our artisans in Sri Lanka with the creativity and vision of the artists at Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts, and extending this process for Country to Couture with Aly de Groot, is a testament to the importance and power of community in creativity and safeguarding heritage techniques for future generations.”

Colleen Tighe Johnson founded Buluuy Mirrii in 2008, a fashion label deeply rooted in her Gomeroi heritage. Originally from rural Moree, NSW, Colleen now resides in Tamworth, NSW. She channels her creative talents to bring Gomeroi Dreaming Stories to life through fashion, connecting with the spirit of her ancestors.

Buluuy Mirrii, which means ‘black star’ in Gamilaraay language, seamlessly blends Aboriginal culture with contemporary fashion, emphasising respect for the earth and sustainable practices. Core values of the brand include respect, family, culture, pride, and community. Through Buluuy Mirrii, Colleen showcases Gomeroi Dreaming Stories to a growing global audience eager for Aboriginal design.

The collection, Miyaaymiyaay (Seven Sisters), draws on the story of ancestral beings who descended from the sky and were pursued by men, marking the first encounter between them. This tale, which traverses Central Australia and Gomeroi Country, intertwines with the creation of natural elements like waterholes, hills, trees, bush food, wind, and rain, reflecting the deep cultural significance of these stories.

Ikuntji Artists is a member-based, not-for-profit Aboriginal Art Centre located in Haasts Bluff (Ikuntji), which has a population of around 150 people. The Art Centre is governed by a board of seven Indigenous directors who live and work locally. The artists draw inspiration from their personal ngurra (country) and Tjukurrpa (Dreaming), interpreting ancestral stories through traditional symbols, icons, and motifs. Over its 27-year history, Ikuntji Artists has made a significant impact in the fine art world while serving as a cultural hub that maintains, reinforces, and reinvigorates cultural practices through art-making.

The collection, titled Ngankirritja, features new fabric designs with creative direction from Anastasia Keshan. The garments are made using acclaimed textiles hand-printed with designs from local artists, who all live and work in Ikuntji.

“Being part of Country to Couture means celebrating the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture through vibrant designs, weaving stories of our land and heritage into every stitch.”

Nagula Jarndu (Saltwater Woman) Art Centre, located on Yawuru Country in Rubibi, Broome, is renowned for its hand-printed textiles, including block and screen printing. The artists use this medium to share stories of their culture and country, embracing a sustainable, slow fashion approach. They produce small collections in Australia, minimizing waste by repurposing fabric offcuts into smaller items.

gujarra yangarrjin’ (two coming together) wedding collection honours the land where couples make their commitment, celebrating both the union of two individuals and the country they stand on during their ceremony.

The women artists behind this collection come from various regions across Western Australia but currently reside in Rubibi, Broome, where they create at Nagula Jarndu (Saltwater Woman) Art Centre. The talented contributors include:

• Rowena Morgan – Kija-Gooniyandi
• Martha Lee – Yawuru-Karajarri
• Amanda Rose Lee – Yawuru
• Marie Manado – Nimanburr
• Mareeya Pigram – Yawuru
• Dena Gower – Noongar
• Connie Clinch – Noongar – Yamatji
• The late Mrs. Djiagween – Jabirr Jabirr
• The late Miss Chiguna – Walmajarri

“Country to Couture is an opportunity to create fashion from culture and to tell stories about who we are and what we feel connected to through a collection of clothing.”