What an incredible week it’s been for Indigenous fashion in Darwin! The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) this August truly outdid itself, with Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) delivering a breathtaking program that celebrated the rich cultural heritage, innovative spirit, and undeniable talent of First Nations designers. From powerful runway shows to a night honouring industry leaders, it was a profound and exhilarating experience.

The fashion festivities kicked off with the renowned Country to Couture shows, a highlight of the DAAF calendar. It was more than just fashion; it was storytelling, connection, and a vibrant expression of identity. This year we were lucky enough to have Lindyn Rowland as head stylist, Jake Powers as assistant stylist and Karina Mutabazi as stylist mentor 

Before the first garment even graced the runway, a beautiful and deeply moving smoking ceremony took place. This  offered a powerful Welcome to Country for all the models and designers, setting a respectful and culturally grounded tone for the entire evening.

Then, the Threads of Country show began, captivating us with its profound connection to the land, water, and Country. Designers masterfully wove traditional narratives into contemporary designs, drawing their colour palettes directly from nature. We saw earthy neutrals, soft sand tones, and the calming blues of the sky and water, reflecting the enduring strength and beauty of the land.

The incredible designers who brought this vision to life included:

• Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture (‘Garkambarryirri’ – Daybreak)

• Corella & Crow by Rechelle Turner and Megan Daley

• Delvene Cockatoo-Collins

• Eleraze Creatives by Sonya Coleman, Sonearae Bilney, and Tallulah Bilney (‘Tjindu’)

• Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre (‘Murrgan’)

• Jarli by Corina Jadai (‘Echoes of the Tide’)

• KingKing Creative by Sarrita and Tarisse King (‘Journey’)

• Nangarri Designs by Rowena Morgan

• Simone Thomson Art (‘Nugal Biik’ – Belongs to Country)

• Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art (‘Pirriya collection’)

• Yanggurdi by Cassie Leatham (‘Biik’)

Photos by Dylan Buckee, Mae Ganambarr, Marley Morgan and Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis

The energy shifted dramatically for The Blak Party: Rising Colours, and boy, did the party start! This show was bright, bold, and absolutely unapologetically Blak. It was a dynamic celebration of modern Indigenous fashion, blending contemporary silhouettes with striking, vibrant colours. From cutting-edge streetwear to breathtaking couture, these collections showcased the incredible diversity and power of First Nations style.

And as if the fashion wasn’t electric enough, rapper Barkaa took to the stage, delivering  another powerful songs that absolutely ignited the audience. Her strong matriarchal energy and fierce lyrics made for an unforgettable performance, perfectly embodying the spirit of celebration and resilience.

Photos by Dylan Buckee

• Blak Sand by Sandra Delaney & Shara Delaney, Salt Water Murris Quandamooka (‘Tabilbahn, Yunggulba’ – Saltwater Tidal)
• Goompi’s Girl by Nicole Enoch-Chatfield (‘Kanyarra’)
• Jaru Girl Designs by Bianca Long and Jaydene Long (‘Milky Water Western Collection’)
• Magpie Goose x Quandamooka Artists by Amanda Hayman & Troy Casey
• Mimmim x TATIA by Mim Cole and Tatiana Hoffmann (‘Sunset Healing’)
• Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre x PaletTheory (‘Return to Country’)
• Nagula Jarndu Designs (‘Jarndunil/Saheli Yagarramaguranjin’ – women/friends are creating together)
• Simone Arnol (‘Butterfly Kisses’)
• Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct (‘Fire in the Sky’)

Photos by Dylan Buckee

Beyond the runways and NIFA, DAAF was buzzing with stalls showcasing an incredible array of Indigenous clothing, textiles, and accessories. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to engage directly with the art and meet the talented creators.

This year’s DAAF truly cemented Indigenous fashion’s place at the forefront of the global design landscape. We can’t wait to see what these incredible artists and designers do next!