Originally established as a Broome Fringe Festival event in 2022, this year saw the triumphant return of Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art (KAFTA) fashion runway.
Held alongside an industry workshop program and a fashion pop-up, KAFTA's fashion parade was a spectacle in itself.
In response to calls from Kimberley art professionals and regional communities for locally-based creative and fashion industry pathways, KAFTA created a platform for Kimberley designers, artists, and young people to develop and present their fashion and textiles to a regional audience.
Held on Sunday June 2 in Broome, the event's fashion parade saw Kimberly-based designers, creatives and models provided with both opportunity and spotlight. Celebrated as being one Broome's most popular fashion events, the runway's backdrop of Town Beach was a nod to the regions picturesque landscapes.
Welcoming designers and creatives from across the Kimberly region, KAFTA's fashion runway saw numerous brands, designers and artists showcase their work across both garments and accessories; Bianca Long, Marnin Studio, Ardi'ol, Jalayimiya Swim were just some of the many talented artists, designers and brands featured in the event's 2024 parade.
"I was very emotional on the day and the days leading up to it watching all the prep. KAFTA has such a great impact on our community and this event will definitely be a highlight of the year for all involved," said Jalayimiya Swim founder and proud First Nations fashion designer, Brodie George.
Aside from an impressive runway presentation, the fashion parade also saw the talented Broome-based dance group, Burrb Wanggarraju perform to guests. Audience members were intrigued further when the group's dancers wore and performed in Nagula Jarndu's new wedding collection.
KAFTA builds on the growing interest and engagement in textile and fashion developments within WA and nationally. The Kimberley has seen a rise in textile printers, fashion makers and designers and the many industries that it supports including performance and photography.
With many Indigenous Art Centres and artists having to travel interstate to present their collections and textile art, this event strives to grow regional artist's confidence whilst also showcasing their skills and talents to regional audiences in a culturally safe way, that builds in both professional development and runway experience.
The events to-date have presented Kimberley community-led experiences, showcasing 13 clothing collections, featuring 53 artists work, engaged 78 young Indigenous models, and 52 Indigenous performers. It is also important to know that KAFTA is completely Kimberley run engaging local businesses to provide equipment and event services.
The demand for the 2024 event was high, with young people, artists, designers, community organisations and community members building momentum many months before the event took place.
This year KAFTA aimed to bring together the Kimberley region's creative professionals and Indigenous communities, through an engaging fashion presentation, fun-fashion pop-up market and a rewarding industry workshop program.
The program prioritises inclusivity, supporting Kimberley people of all ages, abilities, and experience levels to get involved in a safe and supportive environment that celebrates the depth and diversity of Kimberley Culture and identity. The Fashion Pop Up market-like stall is a great opportunity to buy directly from Aboriginal creatives and designers.
Taking place as part of Broome Fringe Festival and aligning with Reconciliation Week, KAFTA was an engaging and educational experience for both the creatives involved and attendees in the audience.
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