Each recognised for their ability to blend culture with craft, this week talented artists Mali Isabel and Bobbi and Skye Lockyer joined forces for a collaborative collection at Country to Couture.
Titled Mermaid Collective, the new collection was part of a much larger collaborative project, also named Mermaid Collective - an Aboriginal owned creative collaboration bringing together contemporary fashion, wearable art and cultural storytelling.
Founded by the Lockyers and Ms Isabel, the collective strives to merge vibrant aesthetics with strong cultural narratives; a celebration of identity, creativity and community, sharing Aboriginal stories through contemporary design.
Based in Garamilla, the creatives' joint collection shown at Country to Couture explored ocean energy, movement and connection to water.
Inspired by saltwater Country, mermaid mythology and the power of cultural storytelling, the collection blended streetwear aesthetics with handcrafted details such as beadwork, weaving, embroidery and texture.
The designs celebrated individuality, femininity and strength while embracing bold colour, shimmer and playful expression, bringing a vibrant and contemporary Aboriginal voice to the runway.
"I've always watched from the sidelines in awe of all of the designers and models so to now be within the space is everything I've ever dreamed of," Isabel told Style Up (a National Indigenous Times publication).
"I moved to Darwin from Adelaide. Living in the northern territory has given me the confidence to try new mediums and get out of my comfort zone.
"I've taught myself how to sew and now i'm experimenting with designing and dressmaking which is where i've always wanted to end up."
Mermaid Collective is an Aboriginal-owned creative collaboration bringing together contemporary fashion, wearable art and cultural storytelling. (Image: Michael Jalaru Torres)
Models on the runway wearing Mermaid Collective. (Image: Michael Jalaru Torres)
"The creative process was so fun. Since it's my first time doing anything like this I wanted to take the extra step and try new techniques."
"I've taught myself to crochet and gotten back into weaving.
"I'm very exciting to continue creating and trying more new mediums and techniques.
"I have four outfits I've made which are included in the collection, what inspired my creations is my move to saltwater country and the environment.
"Being a desert woman myself, it's a completely different world in the NT than SA."
Isabel said her are also inspired by the women in her life.
"My Elders, my nannas, my mum, all of my sista girls. I'm endlessly inspired by their journeys and how they've all positively impacted my life, I wouldn't be where I am today without them," she said.
Recently signing to Blaklist Agency, Isabel shows no signs of slowing down.
As the whimsical designs walked the runway, audience members were entertained with an engaging runway filled with vibrant colour-ways and unique designs.
Although some of the designs may not be ideal for a typical day out, they were created to spark curiosity, create conversation and inspire others within the industry.
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