Darwin’s fashion scene was set alight on Tuesday evening as the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) hosted two sold-out Country to Couture runway shows. With 20 collections presented over two spectacular showcases on Larrakia Country, the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation event celebrated both emerging and established Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives. which included the incredible talent of a seven outstanding First Nations designers from the Northern Territory. The runways were a vibrant display of fashion, taking the audience on a journey from Country to Couture.
Photos by Dylan Buckee
Sarrita King x Edition, Show One, Country to Couture, 2024.
The high-energy event featured innovative collections from remote communities across Australia, highlighting unique collaborations between Indigenous communities and renowned Australian labels. The designers and art centres from the Northern Territory included:
– Sarrita King x EDITION
– Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
– Iltja Ntjarra
– Bula’Bula Arts x Black Cat Couture
– Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Aly de Groot
– Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts x Helen Kaminski
– Ikuntji Artists
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024.
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Art Centre, Big Colours, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024.
Show Themes: Underfire: Hear Our Voice: This show encouraged activism and expression, urging designers to ‘keep the fire burning’ through First Nations fashion, and showcased the power of traditional materials.
Boundless: Always Was, Always Will Be: This theme celebrated cultural stories, deep connections, and Country, weaving traditional elements with modern fashion narratives.
Iltja Ntjarra, Show One, Country to Couture, 2024.
Nagula Jarndu, gujarra yangarrjin’ (two coming together, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024.
Jessica Mauboy, Darwin’s much loved, award-winning performer and DAAF Foundation Community Ambassador, attended her second Country to Couture show and shared her moving experience: “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.”
Jessica Mauboy at 2023 Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, photo via Facebook
Founded in 2016, Country to Couture has gained a reputation for uncovering incredible Indigenous fashion talent, elevating artists, art centres, designers, models, and creatives to new heights. IFP Manager Michelle Maynard emphasised the significance of the event: “Country to Couture is a grassroots platform celebrating and bringing together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art, design, and culture. It serves as a steppingstone for some participants into the broader fashion industry, while for others, it’s a proud moment to showcase artistic creativity in new and innovative ways. Most importantly, it’s about empowering cultural expression and providing audiences with the opportunity to engage with and learn about Australian First Nations textiles and fashion.”
Show One:
1. Yalanji Artists x Linda Jackson AO, ‘Underfire’
2. MumRed by Samala Cronin, ‘Fractured Country’
3. Gammin Threads x Jarra Karalinar Steel ‘iilk (Eel)’
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 Two:
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’
Sonya Coleman, Amna Qureshi, Melanie Sarantou, Eleraze, Show Two, Country to Couture, 2024.
The IFP shows were supported by official makeup sponsors Nude by Nature, Australia’s premier natural clean beauty brand, which provided makeup kits for all supporting makeup artists and models. Renowned makeup artists Kaydee Kayle-Taylor and Daniel Tan mentored local artists and crafted the backstage looks. Ross Andrewartha, Head of Brand Advocacy and Engagement at Vidacorp, said, “Our brand values align perfectly with the vision of Indigenous Fashion Projects, and we’re thrilled to work together to create something truly special.”
Backstage, Country to Couture, 2024. Photo by Marley Morgan
Country to Couture continues to serve as a powerful platform for Indigenous designers and artists, celebrating their cultural stories and creative talents. This year’s event not only highlighted the beauty and depth of First Nations fashion but also underscored the importance of cultural expression and empowerment within the fashion industry.
Website: http://www.ifp.org.au
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/IndigenousFashionProjects/
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/IndigenousFashionProjects/
Sarrita King x Edition, Show One, Country to Couture, 2024.
Iltja Ntjarra, Show One, Country to Couture, 2024.
