The talents of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives strutted their stuff at Country to Couture. The high-energy runways featured innovative collections from remote communities across Australia and unique collaborations between Indigenous communities and prominent Australian labels, taking the audience on a journey from Country to Couture.
DAAF Foundation’s Artistic Director and proud Eastern Arrernte visual artist, Shilo McNamee, said the electrifying runways illustrated the growth of the thriving Indigenous textile and fashion community. “It is so inspiring to witness this dynamic and growing stream of artistic expression that is captivating audiences everywhere,” she said.
Show One’s theme, Underfire: Hear Our Voice, encouraged activism and expression, prompting designers to ‘keep the fire burning’ through First Nations fashion, unearthing the power that traditional materials can have.
Show Two, Boundless: Always Was, Always Will Be, celebrated cultural stories, deep connection and Country.
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards capped off the glamorous events.
DAAF Foundation’s Artistic Director and proud Eastern Arrernte visual artist, Shilo McNamee, said the electrifying runways illustrated the growth of the thriving Indigenous textile and fashion community.“It is so inspiring to witness this dynamic and growing stream of artistic expression that is captivating audiences everywhere,” she said. “This evening’s runways were a proud moment for everyone involved. Experiencing ancient stories and contemporary perspectives of the world’s oldest surviving cultures through fashion is truly breathtaking.”
Ambassador Jessica Mauboy shared her moving experience following attending her second Country to Couture show. “As a Kuku Yalanji and Wakaman woman and fashion enthusiast, it was a joy to see the industry unite on Larrakia Country for the Country to Couture shows. Celebrating the remarkable talent of First Nations designers and artists, who seamlessly combined colour, creativity, and culture in their work, creating another unforgettable experience.”
Founded in 2016, Country to Couture has built a reputation for uncovering incredible Indigenous fashion talent and elevating artists, Art Centres, designers, models, and creatives to new heights. IFP Manager Michelle Maynard noted that, as a crucial platform for Indigenous creatives, Country to Couture is a grassroots event celebrating and bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design, and culture. “For some participants, it serves as a stepping stone to the broader fashion industry,” she said, “while for others, it’s a proud moment to showcase artistic creativity in new and innovative ways. Most importantly, Country to Couture is about empowering cultural expression and providing audiences with the opportunity to engage with and learn about Australian First Nations textiles and fashion.”
The team behind Indigenous Fashion Projects are working to make Country to Couture an enriching experience for First Nations creatives both on the runway and behind the scenes. Creating an opportunity for emerging practitioners in fashion to learn on the job, in a culturally safe and supportive environment is crucial to the Australian fashion industry.
This year’s runway was not only a visual spectacle, but a showcase in sustainable fashion, with many artists and designers incorporating natural materials and recycled products in their garments Murwillumbah and Bundjalung Country Woman, Samala Cronin’s designs featured in show one, Underfire. “All my art is deeply rooted in my culture, created through my cultural understanding, placement, and ways of knowing and being. Every piece is born from a story and invokes the essence of my Country and cultural identity. I used natural materials like sinew, fur, skin, feathers, grass, resin, shells, and quills to imbibe my creations with the essence of creation itself. I also worked with repurposed and recycled materials in line with my label MumRed’s ethos of sustainability and slow fashion,” she said.
The judges Yatu Widders-Hunt, Elaine George, Lisa Waup and Nimmi Premaratne had the difficult task of assessing the nominations from an incredible line up.“This year,” Maynard added, “we added the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award which recognises an outstanding young person between the ages of 15-25 years, who is excelling in one or more of the areas of fashion, textile, design, modelling, styling, wearable art, adornment and jewellery.” Yawaru Woman, Kahlia Rogers, was tonight announced the debut winner of this new award. “I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to have the honour of receiving this amazing award for the first time,” Rogers said. “I have felt so inspired by all the amazing artists and designers from across Australia tonight and I feel proud to represent my family and community.”
The 2024 NIFA winners and nominees will all have the opportunity to tour their designs at two QIC centres including Canberra Centre (ACT), and Eastland (VIC), supported by QIC. Justin Welfare, QIC’s First Nations Affairs Lead commented on the partnership: “We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with the DAAF Foundation including the Indigenous Fashion Projects, and support the National Indigenous Fashion Awards for a third consecutive year. This collaboration is incredibly important to us as it aligns with the targets of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan to foster community partnerships with First Nations organisations, support employment, and increaseprocurement through First Nations-owned businesses”.
Show 1: Underfire
Hear. Our. Voice. More than garments, fashion can be a vehicle for healing, for activism and political
expression, for fighting for Country and the survival of culture. We keep the fire burning.
1. Yalanji Artists x Linda Jackson AO, ‘Underfire’
2. MumRed by Samala Cronin, ‘Fractured Country’
3. Gammin Threads x Jarra Karalinar Steel ‘iilk (Eel)’Page 3 of 4
4. DandalooSu, by Su Lousick, ‘Coat of Arms, Gilgai’s and Western NSW’
5. Yanggurdi, by Cassie Leatham, ‘Gumak Biik’
6. Blaklabel Dreaming, by Kristie Peters, ‘Yarrudhamarra’
7. Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, ‘Dilly Bag and Mat Making’
8. Iltja Ntjarra ‘Tnuntha, Ntatha Tharraka Nurnakanha (Our Animals)’
9. Sarrita King x Edition ‘Walking on Country’
10. Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Aly de Groot ‘Old Ways, New Ways, Baman ga Yuta’
Show 2: Boundless
Always was, always will be. From the desert to the sea, Country holds us, teaches us. Our fashion is a
celebration of our cultural stories, from traditional materials, to streetwear, to couture.
1. Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Art Centre, ‘Big Colours’
2. Sonya Coleman, Amna Qureshi, Melanie Sarantou, ‘Eleraze’
3. Magpie Goose x Ewyenper Atwatye (Hidden Valley)
4. Bula’bula Arts x Black Cat Couture,
‘Lomuyirr (soar)’
5. Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Helen Kaminski ‘Djäma Rrambaŋi’ (Working Together)
6. Ikuntji Artists x The Social Outfit ‘Ngankirritja’
7. Yarrenyty Arltere Artists ‘Ngaya, Tjulpu, Tjutawana’ (Cat among the Birds)
8. Buluuy Mirrii, by Colleen Tighe Johnson, ‘Miyaaymiyaay’ (Seven Sisters)
9. Nagula Jarndu, ‘gujarra yangarrjin’ (two coming together)
10. Blak Sand by Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery, ‘Yarabinjara Sea Country’
Indigenous Fashion Projects’ NIFA Winners 2024
Textile Design Award, Supported by RMIT: Winner: Jay Jurrupula Rostron, Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Location: Maningrida, Northern Territory
Traditional Adornment Award, Supported by Helen Kaminski: Winner: Philomena Yeatman, Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct – Location: Yarrabah, Queensland
Wearable Art Award, Supported by Eastland: Winner: Lillardia Briggs-Houston, Location: Albury/Narrandera, New South Wales
Fashion Designer Award, Supported by Country Road: Winner: Simone Arnol, Location: Queensland
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award, Supported by Franchesca Cubillo: Winner: Kahlia Rogers, Location: Broome/Fitzroy Crossing, Western Australia
Community Collaboration Award, Supported by Canberra Centre: Winner: Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda x Gilat Shani, Unreal Fur – Location: Nambucca Heads, New South Wales and Melbourne, Victoria.
Business Achievement Award, Supported by QIC: Winner: Ngali, Denni Francisco, Location: Melbourne, Victoria
