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Established in 2020 and supported by David Jones, Indigenous Fashion Projects was created in a bid to nurture and open business opportunities and capacity building for Indigenous designers and labels through workshops, seminars and direct mentorships with established Australian designers. At Afterpay Australian Fashion Week overnight and in an initiative with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation (DAAFF), five brands – Kirrikin, Liandra Swim, Maara Collective, Native Swimwear and Ngali – unveiled new collections on the runway.
The presentation was led by newly-appointed Community Ambassador of DAAFF, Jessica Mauboy, who performed a live rendition of her latest single. The stage was set with a rich digital background while the floor was emblazoned in a custom artwork titled “River Sands” by Shilo McNamee.
“Over the past two years we’ve really worked on building our relationships with artists and art centres, so that we have a continual connection with our people and artists,” Julie Shaw, Yuwaalaraay designer of Maara Collective told GRAZIA. “It’s all about connection for us… and we’re looking forward to embarking on more collaborative partnerships in the coming seasons to really showcase and celebrate our unique Indigenous culture through fashion.”
Vibrant prints and relaxed ensembles formed the thesis of each collection with Shaw drawing inspiration from the artwork “Likara” (translated: bark) by Pitjantjatjara artist Alison Lionel. The work can be found on display at the Ernabella Art Center, located in the APY Lands of remote South Australia. Using earthy tones such as desert sand, pink ochre and blush honey, billowing gowns, separates and swimwear alike were created in an ombre print and across tonal ensembles.
Shaw added, “[Alison’s] work speaks to the themes of light and movement in nature, and is influenced by the stunning desert landscape of her homelands. I love the intricacy of Alison’s work with her layering techniques and stunning use of colour. The palette of this entire collection has been based on the artwork, drawing out shades of Desert Sand, Pink Ochre and Bush Honey translating them into silk and linen fabrications.”
The likes of Bianca Spender, Dale McCarthy of Bondi Born, Edwina Forest and Adrian Norris of Aje, Charlotte Hicks of Esse Studios and Deborah Sams and Mary Lou Ryan of Bassike served as mentors for the First Nations designers. First Nations Australian models such as Samantha Harris, Nathan McGuire and Friend of David Jones, Magnolia Maymuru also walked the runway.
