Documenting Culture: An Evening with Indigenous Fashion on Larrakia Country
Words by Marley Morgan.
Photography by Marley Morgan and Michael Jalaru Torres.
It was a beautiful Larrakia evening, and the air was buzzing with creativity and connection. I had the incredible opportunity to be on-site with my good friend and fellow photographer, Michael Jalaru Torres, as we captured the winning designs from the recent National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA). The setting was stunning, but the true stars of the evening were the garments themselves—each one a testament to the rich history and innovative spirit of Indigenous art.
For Michael and I, our job wasn’t just to photograph clothes; we were there to capture culture, tradition, and the future of Indigenous fashion.
The images from this evening are more than just fashion shots—they are a powerful reminder of the talent and creativity thriving within these communities.
The collection of winning designers was breathtakingly diverse, showcasing a wide range of artistic expressions and cultural stories. I saw the intricate work of Miimi and Jiinda, the bold designs from Clair Helen, and the collaboration between Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association x Tiwi Artists. Every piece told a unique story through textiles and design.
The evening was a celebration of artistry in many forms. We admired the stunning creations from Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts, Cleonie Quayle, and Rhonda Sharpe. It was also an honor to see the work of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists and to celebrate Cindy Rostron, the recipient of the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award.
You can support and book talented Black photographers like Marley and Michael on Blaklens, a directory of Indigenous photographers. Check them out and hire them for your next project!
