Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) is readying itself for a historic moment next week, when for the first time ever, six First Nations designers will showcase their collections at Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW).
Presented by IFP – a Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation program – in partnership with IMG Fashion and David Jones, and curated by Perina Drummond – stylist and founder of Jira modelling agency – the runway will bring together some of the nation's most talented and highly-awarded Indigenous designers to celebrate its long overdue position on the mainstage.
Maara Collective (pictured), Native Swimwear, Ngali, Liandra Swim, Indii and Kirrikin will showcase and incorporate the millennia of ancient stories and cultures on the runway, which will take place on Gadigal Land in Redfern, Sydney.
Speaking on the show, Drummond said that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion being represented at a national level is a moment worth celebrating.
"Paying homage to Indigenous women across our country, and celebrating our journey to where we are today, is the key narrative behind this show.
"We are showcasing Indigenous fashion labels founded by Indigenous women - something that once upon a time would not have been possible.
"Not forgetting our history, this is a moment in time worth celebrating.
"Speaking with each label, there is quite a buzz for the show, and I'm thrilled to be styling their collections, soaking up their culture and stories behind their label," she said.
In addition to their runway presence, the six featured First Nations designers are all actively growing fashion brands and are part of the IFP Pathways Program supported by David Jones.
The Pathways Program links designers with industry mentors to help them grow and share skills.
IFP manager Dave Giles-Kaye said the IFP Pathways Program also gives the First Nations brands access to a wider industry network.
"In recent years, we’ve seen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion and design rapidly gain mass attention, both locally and overseas creating a unique and exciting opportunity for us to connect brands directly with established Australian labels to share skills and develop as businesses.
"Our program with David Jones is designed to help foster vital relationships with access to industry networks whilst also creating an environment for Indigenous designers to learn from experts the skills needed to help nurture the growth of their business.
"Importantly, the program also facilitates a mutual two-way learning process whereby both designers are given the space to listen and share culture and stories with one another," he said.
The IFP Pathways Program designers and mentors are listed below:
● Maara Collective by Julie Shaw - mentored by Charlotte Hicks of Esse Studios and Kit Willow of KitX.
● Native Swimwear by Natalie Cunningham - mentored by Becky Cooper and Bridget Yorston of Bec + Bridge.
● Ngali by Denni Francisco - mentored by Mary Lou Ryan and Deborah Sams of Bassike.
● Liandra Swim by Liandra Gaykamangu - mentored by Bianca Spender.
● Indii by Nancy Pattison - mentored by Pip Edwards and Claire Tregoning of P.E Nation.
● Kirrikin by Amanda Healy - mentored by Adrian Norris and Edwina Forest of Aje.
The IFP runway showcase will be presented at AAFW on June 03 at 1:30pm in Gallery 1 at Carriageworks.
Additionally, each of the designers will also be showcasing their collections as part of The Suites from the June 02-04.