Known for her unique designs and commendable work ethic, this week First Nations designer, artist and proud Quandamooka woman Delvene Cockatoo-Collins will show her designs on the runway at PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival.
Having commenced 2025 on the busier side, Collins is in high spirits after completing a six week trip to America with Avanti Destinations and now heading to PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival (PMFF) to show her new 'on an afternoon low tide' collection.
"This New Year was a great way to reflect on the 10 years running my retail store in Goompi Dunwich on North Stradbroke Island and to think about bringing into 2025, all the elements that are loved by my visitors and customers particularly the one of a kind garment," Cockatoo-Collins said.
"I've opted for less external commitments this year, so this time has allowed me to refine the collection 'on an afternoon low tide' for MFF.
"It tells of the moment in time and one of my favourite places on the island - where freshwater meets saltwater - depicted by the copper mangrove root print, the afternoon sunlight, the garagun - heron in the mangroves at low tide, the fibres of the tawalpin - cotton tree and quampie - the food found nearby, cooked and eaten and shells placed on a midden."
Participating in the festival's all-Indigenous Back In Black runway, Cockatoo-Collins says the opportunity resembles somewhat of a big embrace with all First Nations creatives joining forces to showcase their designs on the runway, supporting both culture and craft.
"I love being part of something that is greater than what I make through the runway with other First Nations designers and artists. It feels like one big embrace," she said.
When speaking on her designs and her history of sourcing and working with local materials, Collins said whilst it can sometimes be a process, it is an important part of connecting her garments to the land and country.
"The collection of natural fibres, seeds and quampie shells is by, and with family including my sons who are walking in the show. It really is walking on Country to walking the runway," she said.
"What I love is being on the beach and in the water to collect and process - maybe a swim and switch off before bringing back those natural items for accessories or to apply to the garments.
"It means those garments will remain connected to the place that it is talking about."
Cockatoo-Collins said when collecting natural fibres, it's critical to identify the right branch.
"We process the tawalpin fibres on the beach, removing the sap, so that they can be used to stitch the quampie shells with, and also to use for accessories including the necklaces and earrings," she said.
"Quampies is a traditional shellfish food - makes for a great curry or in vinegar salt and pepper. The quampies grow on the bayside and are dropped off at home for mum or I will walk and collect our own.
"After cooking, the shell takes a bit of work to bring out the shine. Preston spent a few days in studio and front yard to process the most recent bucket of quampie shells.
"For the seeds - they are collected from a vine and others from the other side of the island on the high tide mark.
"My youngest son Stirling prepared the seeds for his necklace and other accessories for the show and for in store."
When discussing how consumers respond to her garments, business highlights and possible garment expansion across various mediums such as fashion, jewellery, accessories and homewares, Collins explains whilst she strives to remain authentic in her creations and pursue her own areas of interest rather than market demand and trends, she is hoping to respond to areas of her work consumers have shown particular interest and intrigue in.
"Working Across those mediums, allows me to share the stories, words and objects of my family," she said.
"It always starts with a story - usually sitting with mum - and working through what medium is right to share on / within.
"There is a selection of all of the above in store. I'm still small scale and currently working with several great seamstresses, however would love to better respond to the interest shown in my work, particularly after runways like MFF.
"It's always about how people respond to my garments. I value the visitors to my store, those who drop by the pop ups and the reactions from audiences across the US.
"There is genuine appreciation of handprinted and locally made in Australia with this direct connection to the island and my family."
Known for emboding a rich connection to country, the talented Quandamooka woman, artist and storyteller is set to impress audiences with her new collection at this week's Back In Blak runway on Thursday 6 March.
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