Indigenous Fashion Projects at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week 2022
The Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Runway returned to Afterpay Australian Fashion Week for the second time in May, showcasing iconic First Nations designers, and a stellar performance by Jessica Mauboy.
The IFP Runway was presented by Afterpay and supported by David Jones, and the night kicked off with a spectacular Acknowledgement of Gadigal Country by Yvonne Weldon, Wiradjuri woman and Councillor of the City of Sydney Council.
The audience experienced an immersive journey through our great landscapes, visiting the rich ochres of the desert, through to the calming turquoise of the rivers and ending their journey at the energetic deep blue of the sea. Each landscape represented the origins of each designer, paying homage to their connection to Country, their spirituality, their community and family because Country is and always will be a source of pride and inspiration for First Nations peoples.
The runway concept and creative was led by Eastern Arrernte woman and Creative Director Shilo McNamee with Creative Consultant Al Weekes, Producer Cat Rose and her incredible team.
The runway magic was sparked by Head Stylist Rhys Ripper and Assistant Stylist Garth Ernstzen, and both creatives spent their time mentoring, helping and putting the Mob In Fashion industry creatives Ebony, Grace, Keira and Joshua to work. Hair and makeup teams added the final touches thanks to sponsors Lancome Official and Redken.
The immersive visuals and sounds were thanks to Musical Director Gary Sinclaire, with a backdrop from Palawa man Wayne Quilliam, production house Global Headquarters and Editor Dan Sharp. Our photography team capturing moments behind the scenes included talented creatives Joshua Howlett and Angela Arlow.
The Runway guests were seated with Floral Sculptures by Tracey Deep and models were dressed in accessories by Amber Sceats Jewellery courtesy of David Jones, Rollie Nation, Dinosaur Designs, Steve Madden, Yanggurdi and Dive Shop Darwin for Liandra Swim.
Magnolia Maymuru, Nathan McGuire, Samantha Harris, Cassie Puruntatameri were just a few of the First Nations models who walked the runway on Tuesday night, including a spectacular performance by Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s Community Ambassador and Larrakia artist Jessica Mauboy.
A big thank you to everyone involved in the Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway, from behind the scenes, in the audience and watching online, thank you for your continuous support.
Now, let’s have a look at the designers collections!
MAARA Collective by Yuwaalaraay Creative Director Julie Shaw, in collaboration with Pitjantjatjara artist Alison Lionel from Ernabella Arts, MAARA Collective opened the Runway with new Resort ’23 collection and launched their first ever men’s wear.
Images by Chris Quyen, David Jones
Ngali by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco presents Nginha Collection, adapted from artworks by Gija artist, Lindsay Malay. The new collection is created in repeat to add strength to the softness of luxurious silks and move effortlessly across the body, in essence depicting a work of art in motion.
Images by Chris Quyen, David Jones
Kirrikin by Wonnarua designer Amanda Healy debuted her new collection ‘Ripples’ that see’s flowing dresses and tailored pieces. The blue print is by Gambangurr artist Helena Geiger and red print by Yaawaalway artist Jessica Tedim, the collection is inspired by the ripples of change occurring in the boarder Australian community.
Images by Chris Quyen, David Jones
Native Swimwear by Natalie Cunningham presents a collection in collaboration with Keturah Zimran from Ikuntji Artists in Haasts Bluff, west of Alice Springs. The collection features day and night pieces and swimwear for both men and women.
Images by Chris Quyen, David Jones
Liandra Swim by Yolŋu designer Liandra Gaykamangu, launched Deep Blue Collection, inspired by the flourishing deep water eco-systems that reflect the connection and adaption of our communities. The collection featured new swimwear designs, including the Cassie Mini Sarong, the Rachel Skirt and Cathy One Piece.
Images by Chris Quyen, David Jones
Images by Wayne Quilliam
Banner image (L-R): Samantha Harris in Ngali, Jessica Mauboy wearing Ikuntji Artists, Nathan McGuire wearing MAARA Collective, Sené Maluwapi in Native Swimwear Australia, Magnolia Maymuru wearing Kirrikin and Cassie Puruntatameri in Liandra Swim, AAFW, 2022, photo by Joshua Howlett.
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Jessica Mauboy and dancers, wearing Ikuntji Artists designers. Image by Chris Quyen, David Jones