David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway – 2023

Presented by Afterpay at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week

Celebrating the contemporary creations of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures, the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Runway returned to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW), on Gadigal Country, this May 17.

The show concept ‘Future Dreaming’ presented a diverse collective of contemporary Indigenous fashion designers including: Gali, Joseph & James, Ihraa Swim, Kamara Australia, Gammin Threads, Lazy Girl Lingerie, and Miimi & Jiinda.

Audiences were treated to a world first collaborative performance from ARIA Award winner Jessica Mauboy, and spoken word artist Melanie Mununggurr, wearing custom pieces by Lilardia Briggs-Houston.

A big thank you to all who made the night possible and our amazing team behind the scenes including:

Shilo McNamee – Creative Director

Cat Rose – Show Producer

Michelle Maynard – IFP Manager

Alira McKenzie-Williams – IFP Project Manager

Mob In Fashion – Mentoring

Rhys Ripper – Head Stylist

Garth Ernstzen – First Assistant Stylist

Jayden Moyle – Director of Photography

James Mangohig – Musical Director

Gary Sinclair – Musical Consultant

Yvonne Weldon – Acknowledgement of Country

Leanne Cherny – Movement Director

Lara Srokowski – Makeup Director

Lancôme – Official Makeup partner for AAFW

Kristy Hodgson – Hair Director

Redken – Official Hair partner for AAFW

The Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway, presented by Afterpay and supported by David Jones, returned to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week on the 10 May, 2022. Together on Gadigal Country, from right across Australia, five First Nations women launched their new collections:

• Kirrikin, By Wonnarua designer Amanda Healy
• Liandra Swim, By Yolngu designer Liandra Gaykamangu
• Maara Collective, By Yuwaalaraay designer Julie Shaw
• Native Swimwear, By Biripi and Ngarabal designer Natalie Cunningham
• Ngali, By Wiradjuri designer Denni Francisco

Each vibrant collection draws on the designer’s deep and personal connection to Country, collectively inviting you on an immersive sensory journey from the desert heart of Australia, along freshwater rivers, through to the sea.

With an exclusive performance from the iconic Jessica Mauboy, and a visual treat from acclaimed First Nations artist Wayne Quilliam and Darwin based production house Global Headquarters, the runway was 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.

June 3, 2021, on a day of national significance – Mabo day, also marked a historic milestone on the Australian fashion calendar. For the first time ever, six First Nations designers showcased their collections on the runway at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) on Gadigal Country.

Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), a Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation program, partnering with IMG Fashion and David Jones, and curated by Perina Drummond, stylist and founder of Jira modeling agency, the runway brought together some of the nation’s most talented and highly awarded Indigenous designers to celebrate its long overdue position on the mainstage.

The designers included; Indii, Kirrikin, Liandra Swim, MAARA Collective,  Native Swimwear and Ngali. All actively growing fashion brands, and part of the IFP Pathways Program, created together with David Jones with the aim of opening up opportunities for Indigenous labels through direct mentorships from the department store’s established Australian designers.

With Thanks To: Afterpay Australian Fashion Week and IMG Fashion, David Jones, Welcome to Country performed by Aunty Ann Weldon, Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, Creative Director/Head Stylist Perina Drummond, Production and Show Call The Event Group, Back of House Management The Syndicate Group, Event Manager Katena Valastro, Music Kyah, Hair Sponsor Redken, Hair Director Kristy Hodgson, Makeup Director Keli Aroha, Makeup Team The Fashion Institute, Set Design Jo Neville – Paper Couture.