Wiradjuri and Waiben Island man Lindyn Rowland has been appointed head stylist of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair's 2025 Country to Couture runway.

The runway is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander textiles and fashion design, presenting innovative collections from Indigenous designers and artists across Australia, as well as unique collaborations between Indigenous communities and well-known Australian labels.

Rowland said his prior work assisted in him landing the role.

"It has definitely come from my role as head stylist with David Jones and The Indigenous Fashion Projects in 2024 at Australian Fashion Week," he said.

Rowland said whilst being head stylist is a tiring job, his love for fashion and First Nations representation makes the role well worthwhile.

"I am working on two separate shows for Country to Couture (back to back) - of course with a great team beside me, including Karinda Mutabazi, who worked with me last year at Australian Fashion Week," he said.

"However, you can only imagine the lack of sleep, and very long days! It is all worth it in the end.

"I have always loved fashion, it's really as easy as that.. Honestly, my favourite part about this, I get to bring Bla(c)k Excellence to a platform we weren't always welcomed in."

Rowland said this year's Country to Couture showcase is set to bring something new to the table, all whilst celebrating the events culture and tradition.

"Expect new, and upcoming designers plus a mix of traditional practised, and a beam of colour," he said.

After recently returning from overseas, Rowland is looking forward to fashion goers viewing his creative work at Country to Couture and watching as he engages in a variety of new projects this year.

"I have recently come back from a trip to London and Paris to see Beyonce, so my life feels very complete," he said.

"However, I have been working on Country to Couture these past few months, and also working on something that I believe I have manifested since moving to Melbourne, which you will find out soon."

Supported by the Northern Territory Government through Northern Territory Major Events Company and Australian lifestyle brand Country Road, Country to Couture has been presented alongside Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) since 2016.

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