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First Nations designers and artists from across the country gathered in Darwin to showcase the nation’s leading Aboriginal fashion.
The Country To Fashion Show was held on Darwin’s Larrakia Country as part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Show.
According to Artistic Director Shiloh McNamee, 18 designers and artists participated in two sold-out shows.
“We’ve had a lot of interest from all these amazing designers, artists and creatives, so we’ve got two big shows,” she says.
“Culture is very important.”
Artist Wendy Hubert from the Juluwarlu Art Group in Western Australia designed and modeled the costumes for the show.
She said it was an interesting experience to showcase the indigenous culture.
“Culture is a very important thing that we share with others … and you should feel good about sharing your culture,” Ms. Hubert said.
“To share and acknowledge ourselves, to be proud of ourselves, to be proud of ourselves and to be responsible.”
Wendy’s granddaughter Wimiya Woodley also took part in the show, and it was her first time walking the runway as a model.
“I’m really feeling the urge to show my family’s culture, being with all these First Nations people, it’s really inspiring.
“We’ve come a long way as Blackfellas… and to be in this place in the capital of the NT… it’s magical.”
‘Carrying our stories’
Creative director Shiloh McNamee was outraged by the response to this year’s Country to Couture events.
“Audiences are more than happy to come and support the show, supporting the designers and artists,” she said.
“There are quite a few local people involved in the event, we have local talent on stage as our closing act… so it’s great to have the people of Darwin behind it.”
Designer Bobbi Lockyer, who attended the event, said she was encouraged by the response to the event.
“It’s important because it’s a way to pass on our history and show our incredible resilience and ability,” she said.
“It’s really amazing to be able to incorporate my culture and incorporate my art and stories into the pieces in my designs.”
Darwin’s Aboriginal art showcase continues with the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and a public event starting on Friday.
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