Imprints and Memory – Seasons of the Land, Waters and Sky.
Kahlia Rogers wears pieces by Marnin Studio, Photo by Marley Morgan
Imprints and Memory – Seasons of the Land, Waters and Sky.
Kahlia Rogers wears pieces by Marnin Studio, Photo by Marley Morgan
Imprints and Memory – Seasons of the Land, Waters and Sky.
Across many lands and waters, the same sky stretches above us.
As a living archive the sky holds memory. It moves in cycles, as Country beneath continues to evolve. Movements of the sun, winds and rains through the changing seasons guide rhythms of life, shaping cultural practices and ways people live with the lands and waters from sunrise to sunset and beyond.
The connection between lands, waters and the sky sustains our living cultures. As seasons shift through times of abundance, change and renewal, shared knowledge continues to guide how we care for Country, gather, create and share stories, keeping cultural practices and ways of being strong for generations to come – showing us that when Country flourishes, so too can we.
On the runway, these living connections take shape through contemporary expression. Bringing together stories and cultural practices from many places, artists and designers translate knowledge into fashion and design. Each piece carries imprints of Country, celebrating the strength of First Nations cultures, where seasons guide what lies ahead – reminding us that Country is a living relationship, a source of power, strength and interconnectedness.
Meet the Designers
Click the images below to learn more.
Corella & Crow
Nicole Enoch-Chatfield
Jina-Jina by Yinjaa-Barni Art
Kuku Bulkaway Arts
Lucas Schober Art
Marayn Menswear
Marnin Studio
Ngaire Pakai
Noongar Arts Fashion
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Corella & Crow
Nicole Enoch-Chatfield
Jina-Jina by Yinjaa-Barni Art
Kuku Bulkaway Arts
Lucas Schober Art
Marayn Menswear
Marnin Studio
Ngaire Pakai
Noongar Arts Fashion
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Show Credits
SHOW TEAM
Michelle Maynard, Belinda Cook, Cassie Black, Jake Powers, Kartika Christophers, Rhiana Powers, Bonnie Starick, Minnie Floss
CREATIVE TEAM
Creative Director – Simon Carmichael
Choreographer – Balla Neba
Director of Event – Sammy Perry
Head Stylists – Michelle Maynard, Belinda Cook
Welcome to Country – Cyan Lee, James Cubillo
Music Director – James Mangohig
Audio Visual and Lighting Design – Liam Maher Dreamedia
Projection – Shane Eecen and Northern Lights NT
Hair & Makeup Team Director – Kat Lee
PRODUCTION TEAM
Show Producer – Tiff Manzie ,Global Headquarters
Stage Management – Alira McKenzie, Global Headquarters
Event Lead and Management – Reahn Hayman
Marketing & Communications – Ellie Meyer, Mae Ganambarr, Lauren Rogers, Dylan Buckee
Photography – Dylan Buckee, Michael Jalaru Torres, Benjamin Warlngundu Ellis, James Alberts, Nina Fitzgerald
Publicity – Bastion Amplify
Videography – Global Headquarters, Blakground Productions
Shoes Provided by – Country Road
FEATURING ARTISTS
Works by – Lucy Simpson, Shellie Morris, Larry Gurruwiwi, Vernon Gurruwiwi, Nadine Lee
PRESENTED BY
Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) a program of
Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation
SUPPORTED BY
Country Road
Northern Territory Government through Tourism and Events NT
Venue Partner – Charles Darwin University
Production Partners – Northern Lights NT, Global Headquarters and Fusion Exhibitions,
Premium Media Partner – Peppermint Magazine
Ticketing Partner – Darwin Fringe Festival
SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR VOLUNTEERS
Corella & Crow
The Madhan (Tree)
Corella & Crow is the First Nations fashion label founded by Wiradyuri designer Rechelle Turner and Ngunnawal/Wiradjuri artist Megan Daley, based on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra.
New to the fashion world, the duo brings backgrounds in visual arts, textiles and cultural practice to create slow, story-led garments grounded in Country, sustainability and cultural continuity. Their collaborative practice centres First Nations knowledge, hand processes and upcycled materials.
Their upcoming collection ‘The Madhan (Tree)’ marks their second body of work, and reflects the deep cultural and ecological significance of trees as our Earthkin.
Using upcycled materials such as reclaimed curtains, alongside dyeing, printmaking, beading and embroidery, the garments are created through slow fashion processes that honour care for materials, story and place.
Follow their journey here: @corellacrow
Image: Michelle Griffin wears Corella & Crow, Madhan Collection, Photo by Rechelle Turner
Nicole Enoch-Chatfield
Saltwoven
Nicole Enoch-Chatfield’s work celebrates culture, creativity, and connection.
The new collection, Saltwoven, blends old and new by transforming upcycled denim into contemporary pieces.
Drawing inspiration from her Aboriginal heritage, both Yirrganydji and Nughi People, and the coastal Country between Cairns and Port Douglas, each garment features sun-bleached patterns reminiscent of sand, saltwater, and ocean reflections.
Enhanced with textured 3D accessories, the collection turns denim into wearable art—honouring the past while reimagining it for a sustainable and expressive future.
Follow her journey here: @goompis_girl
Image: Goompi’s Girl, 2026, Photo by Brendan Radke for CIAF
Jina-Jina, Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre
Ocean to Ochre
The artists behind Jina-Jina are the collective at Yinjaa-Barni Art Centre—a name that means “staying together.” United by family, Country and a deep love for sharing story, Yinjaa-Barni artists support and uplift one another, creating a space where art becomes a way to heal, share knowledge, connect and celebrate culture.
Jina-Jina brings this cultural storytelling into contemporary fashion, with garments that are expressions of identity, place and connection.
Grounded in Yindjibarndi Country, the brand transforms original artworks into thoughtfully designed textiles and garments, creating pieces that carry the stories, landscapes and cultural knowledge of the Pilbara.
Their latest collection, Ocean to Ochre is inspired by these vast landscapes, where rivers weave through ancient terrain and flow towards the open sea. The collection reflects movement, connection and continuity between land and water, tradition and contemporary expression. The rhythms of waterways, shifting sands and the enduring presence of Country.
More than clothing—these garments carry stories of Yindjibarndi Country. Pieces that can be worn and shared, allowing cultural narratives to move beyond the canvas and into everyday life.
Follow their journey here: www.yinjaa-barni.com.au | @yinjaa.barni.art
Image: Jina-Jina by Yinjaa-Barni Art, photo by Micaela Mandorff
Kuku Bulkaway Arts
Nganganga Wuwu-Bama-Bubu (Our Spirit, People and Country)
The Kuku Bulkaway Arts fashion collection brings together seven designers connected to the lands and waters of Archer Point, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown and the Laura region of Cape York.
Representing the Yuku Baja Muliku, Kuku Yalanji, Jalunji Warra, Kunjan Olkol and Gugu Yimithirr peoples, each designer shares their connection to Country through unique textile designs.
Their works draw on stories of land and sea animals, food gathering, family traditions and cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
Together, the designers combine traditional storytelling with contemporary fashion, transforming hand-drawn artworks into wearable pieces that celebrate culture, creativity and the enduring relationship between people and Country.
Follow their journey here: www.Kukubulkaway.com.au | @kukubulkaway
Image: Irene Bowyer, Kuku Bulkaway Arts, Photo by Nina Dawson
Lucas Schober Art
Busted Up
A familiar face from on the Country to Couture runway – Lucas Schober is a Darwin local from Karama, Larrakia Country, whose been working as an artist for the past 10 years.
Wuthathi, Yadhekanu, Kaurareg and Yindjibarndi, Lucas is an advocate for his communities and environment. Skilled across many mediums, both modern and traditional cultural practices, his work builds connections to continue to tell the stories of his mob.
Under @lucas_schober_art, Lucas has been working on youth art workshops, graphic design, canvas and, more recently – fashion!
The debut collection ‘Busted up’ explores the blues, adversity and resilience of Darwin’s First Nations men. A reflection the day to day life of mob who share unique landscapes, skies and waterways.
Follow his journey here: musuarts.com | @lucas_schober_art
Image: Matty, Lucas Schober Art, ‘Busted up’, photo by Ethan Schober
Marayn Menswear
Scorched Lines
Marayn Menswear is a brand new collaborative fashion business based in regional NSW, and headed by Gomoroi artist Robbie Hartigan.
The Fashion label is built on four pillars: Inclusivity, First Nations artwork, environmental awareness, and Australian-based sustainability.
An Aboriginal owned and run business, Marayn Menswear also works to preserve Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and gives profits from every sale to the First Nations artists behind the art, and their communities.
Marayn Menswear is also a place for representing South-East Aboriginal artists who have had their ancestral connections damaged or destroyed due to colonisation and integration. Through fashion, these artists are showing the work their communities have done to regrow these lines.
The upcoming collection ‘Scorched Lines’ sees collaborations with artists Cassie Fisher-Patterson, Jo-Anne Barr, Kerri-Ann Taggart and Tania Hartigan. Together, the collective explores the environmental and social repercussions of natural disasters. From Tania, guided by drought through to Kez inspired by bushfire.
Follow their journeys here: maraynmenswear.com.au | @maraynmenswear
@username_kez, @artshackwilgabah, @bushtukka_cassie, @jambhats
Image: Marayn Menswear, Photo by Robbie Hartigan
Marnin Studio
Martuwarra Mana Yungu – I want to go to the River
Set within Marninwarntikura Women’s Resource Centre in Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia, Marnin Studio is grounded in the vision of local Bunuba, Gooniyandi, Wangkatjungka, Walmajarri, and Nyikina women.
Marnin (‘women’ in Walmajarri language) Studio is a therapeutic art space where art and connection become tools for healing. The collective is united by
shared purpose and creativity.
Their upcoming collection, ‘Martuwarra Mana Yongu’ (I want to go to the River) takes inspiration from the women’s relationship with the Martuwarra (Fitzroy River).
This collection marks their first return to Country to Couture since the floods, a celebration of the strength and creativity within their community.
Each piece is a reflection of the Fitzroy Valley – “We are rebuilding, Country is healing and we stand strong to represent the plants and animals found in the landscape, shaped by wet and dry times.”
Follow their journey here: marninstudio.com.au | @marninstudio
Image: Kahlia Rogers wears pieces by Marnin Studio, Photo by Marley Morgan
Ngaire Pakai
Way of Waybarra
Ngaire Pakai is a Wiradjuri and Maori woman, working and weaving on Awabakal Country – Newcastle. Ngaire creates wearable woven pieces that celebrate Country, materials and story.
Ngaire’s upcoming collection ‘Way of Waybarra’ is a combination of woven pieces and textiles that centre Country through symbols, storytelling and weaving practices.
‘Waybarra’ is ‘weaving’ in Wiradjuri language. At the core of Ngaire’s practice is a connection to the teachers before her, and the community who have taught her the patience, care and storytelling that takes place while weaving.
Inspired by Country and a deep care for culture, the upcoming collection brings together Ngaire’s playful personal style with a respect for the weaving artform. The results are intricately detailed and layered.
Follow her journey here: @ngaire_pakai
Image: Ngaire Pakai, Woven Corset, 2025
Noongar Arts Fashion
Kambarang
Noongar Arts Fashion is an artist-led collective operating out of Wilger Mia – Bunbury Regional Art Gallery on Wardandi Country in Bunbury, Western Australia.
Emerging from the Noongar Arts Program — a vibrant community of First Nations creatives who gather weekly to create and share stories — the initiative translates Noongar cultural expression into contemporary fashion, spanning streetwear to couture. Through their designs, artists share stories of their connections to moort (family), Boodja (Country), and each other, embracing slow fashion principles of thoughtful making, hand-crafted textiles and sustainable practices.
The Kambarang collection is a series of dresses celebrating the Noongar season of transformation and birth, when Wardandi Country comes alive with wildflowers — golden wattle blossoms, vibrant kangaroo paws, delicate orchids, and everlastings sweeping across the land.
Artists have spent time on Country absorbing the colours, light, and textures of this season, translating their experiences into original artwork through screen printing, block printing, eco-dyeing and hand painting directly onto fabric. Each dress is a personal expression of place, culture and the abundance of Kambarang.
Follow their journey here: www.bunbury.wa.gov.au | @bragwa
Image: Maya Hume, ‘Kambarang’ by Noongar Arts Fashion, Wilger Mia-Bunbury Regional Art Gallery, photo by Gaia Boranga
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Thepa Ilpalha
Located on the Yarrenyty Arltere Town Camp in Mparntwe, Alice Springs as part of Tangentyere Council, the Art Centre is a safe and strong place for people to come together, make beautiful art, celebrate each other’s achievements and build culturally strong pathways for the next generations.
The upcoming collection from Yarrenyty Arltere Artists – Thepa Ilpalha ( birds of a feather), sees the innovation, storytelling and artistry of Rhonda Sharpe, Dulcie Sharpe, Marlene Rubuntja (pictured), Louise Roberston, and Sheree Inkamala.
The collection will showcase the artists’ love of their painted and soft sculpture birds. It will be as though the sculptures have come to life and are walking (perhaps flying?!) down the runway. All the birds of a feather gathering together.
Expect brilliantly colourful and playful pieces, hand printed and painted designs, embellished with hand stitched and embroidered details.
Follow their journey here: yarrenytyarltereartists.com.au | @yarrenyty__arltere
Image: Marlene Rubuntja, draped in fabric holding soft sculpture bird by Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Thepa Ilpalha (birds of a feather) collection, Photo by Sophie Wallace.
