Indigenous Fashion Projects has announced 22 designers and brands which are set to feature in this year's Country to Couture runway, held as part of August's Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
Country to Couture is where First Nations textiles, fashion and art collide in a colourful showcase of creativity from across Australia.
Renowned as being a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles and fashion design, Country to Couture is a contemporary way of both cultural storytelling, and knowledge sharing.
Aside from global networking opportunities and exposure, the popular fashion event builds on the growing textile design movement in remote Indigenous communities.
Having presented alongside the annual Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) since 2016, this year's cohort of designers is a direct reflection of the ongoing talent and growing success of First Nations designers, artists and creatives.
Taking place on August 6, this year's Country to Couture showcase will be presented over two runways, each boasting a unique theme.
Show one's theme, Underfire: Hear Our Voice, encourages activism and expression, prompting designers to 'keep the fire burning' through First Nations fashion, while show two, Boundless: Always Was, Always Will Be, is set to celebrate cultural stories, unearthing the power of traditional materials to take the audience on a journey, from streetwear to couture.
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard said the event is bringing a fresh batch of talent to the table each and every year.
"Each year we are blown away by the incredible talent and works of both established and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers and creatives," Ms Maynard said.
DAAF Foundation Community Ambassador and Wakaman and KuKu Yalanji woman, Jessica Mauboy said she is eager to see what this year's designers have created.
"The runway shows are nothing short of spectacular and are an incredible way to see first-hand how First Nations creatives are using fashion to share their culture and create truly beautiful pieces," she said.
Celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander contemporary fine art and high-end fashion, this year's high-energy runways are set to showcase 22 collections whilst spotlighting unique collaborations between Indigenous communities and well-known Australian labels.
Country to Couture 2024 participants
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.
MumRed by Samala Thakialee Cronin, 'Fractured Country'
Debra Beale, 'Truth be Told'
Yalanji Artists x Linda Jackson AO, 'Underfire'
Yanggurdi, by Cassie Leatham, 'Munganbiik'
Gapuwiyak x Helen Kaminski, 'Land to Hand'
DandalooSu, by Su Lousick, 'Coat of Arms'
Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, 'Dilly Bag and Mat Making'
Sarrita King x Edition
Blaklabel Dreaming, by Kristie Peters, 'Yarrudhamarra'
Gammin Threads by Tahnee Edwards
Iltja Ntjarra
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.
Northern Peninsula Area (NPA) Art Centre, 'Big Colours'
Sonya Coleman, Amna Qureshi, Melanie Sarantou, 'Eleraze'
Magpie Goose x Ewyenper Atwatye
Bula Bula Arts x Black Cat Couture, 'Soar'
Djarli Creative, By Corina Jadai, 'Juri'
Ikuntji Artists
Datlarwa Moydra X Akira, 'Dungalaba'
Yarrenyty Arltere Artists
Buluuy Murri, 'Miyaaymiyaay' (Seven Sisters)
Nagula Jarndu, 'Kimberley Wedding'
Blak Sand by Salt Water Murris Quandamooka Art Gallery, 'Yarabinjara Sea Country'
Country to Couture is supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company and iconic Australian lifestyle brand, Country Road.
The 2024 Country to Couture runway will take place on Tuesday 6 August.
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