Walmajarri designer Brodie George showcased her Jalayimiya Swim brand at Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art fashion runway in Broome this month.
Held on Sunday, the event's fashion parade saw George along with several other Kimberly-based designers showcase their designs to a variety of media, buyers and consumers.
Celebrated as being one Broome's most popular fashion events, the opportunity to showcase at Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art (KAFTA) was yet another reflection of Jalayimiya Swim's ongoing success.
When talking to George on how she found the experience of presenting her designs on the KAFTA runway for the very first time, the talented designer shared that a chance encounter with KAFTA coordinator Belinda Cook led her to this opportunity.
"Yes this is our first time being involved. I had travelled back home in March this year to do a mural for Marra Worra and was touring the school. Belinda Cooke who is one of the KAFTA organisers was at the school and we got talking - she mentioned KAFTA so I applied. when I returned from my trip and was fortunate enough to be chosen," she said.
"We feel that KAFTA presents a new model that could be replicated by other regions with their own cultural and creative leaders, building up real pathways for people within their communities and strengthening the Indigenous Fashion Sector," KAFTA program coordinator Belinda Cook told Style Up.
"The collection I showcased is my NAIDOC collection which is on theme with this year theme 'Keep The Fire Burning' - using the flag colours and warm tones to represent flames," George said.
For the event, George joined forces with fellow First Nations jewellery designer and proud Gooniyandi and Gija woman, Camilla Sawford. Recognised as the creative behind jewellery brand Litiyalla, Sawford is also an artistic Kimberly-based designer, who was eager to participate in KAFTA's runway. Working with George saw Lityalla's earrings and accessories, featured throughout Jalayimiya Swim's runway.
"I am an earring designer and artist. All of my earrings are handcrafted by me, Litiyalla and Jalayimiya had been running workshops in Fitzroy Crossing with the MARNI Project,with the support from Marra Worra Worra youth engagement team we were able to showcase and bring models across to be apart of the runway," said Sawford.
When discussing the jewellery collection presented at KAFTA, Sawford notes that this was a special collection created for the collaboration.
"Litiyalla collection in collaboration with Jalaymaya Swim. I created a design called Kimberley blossom, which showcased the beauty of pink colours surrounding by the beautiful landscape of the Fitzroy Valley. All models were paired with some of Litiyalla's signature earring designs called Yarning Together, Jumulu ( Gija word for Boab Tree) , Litiyall Clay creations, Black Brim," she said.
"So amazing to see all women coming together young and old,the passion and dedication was electrifying to see. Showing their rich connection to culture, storytelling in each design. I felt so proud of our people for taking their culture into a contemporary context and sharing in such a beautiful way."
George said preparation leading up to KAFTA was a process she took very seriously; choosing carefully who to work with and what models would wear and walk her designs down the runway.
"Camilla from Litiyalla Designs, Sarah from Align Your Divine and I were fortunate enough to be in The Kimberley as part of The Marni Project which was a collaboration project to engage youth, particularly girls in Fitzroy Crossing," she said.
"We had arranged to do a photoshoot on The Mighty Fitzroy River with women from the town so we extended the invite and asked if they would showcase our collections at KAFTA. We had four local women travel over and be part of our NAIDOC Collections.
"Half of the fashion brands were from Fitzroy Crossing so it was such a privilege to be alongside family. I was very emotional on the day and the days leading up to it watching all the prep."
Despite only launching in 2022, George has quickly grown her First Nations swimwear brand to industry status. Whether it was her impressive KAFTA debut or her upcoming runway in New York City, the down-to-earth designer is proving that she is at the forefront of culturally crafted fashion… that nods to both cultural and contemporary influences.
"KAFTA has such a great impact on our community and this event will definitely be a highlight of the year for all involved," she said.
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