First Nations designers showcased their creative excellence at Indigenous Fashion Projects 10th anniversary Country to Couture runway event this week.
Presenting artistic innovation inspired by Country, community and culture in a milestone celebration, the event marked a decade on Larrakia country by delivering the largest and most diverse representation of First Nations fashion.
The 2025 runway featured 20 collections with 25 brands represented, with many more creatives also involved in the development of garments and artworks. This year also saw more than 80 artists, Art Centres, independent designers and brands involved either on stage or behind the scenes.
Show 1, 'Threads of Country', honoured the deep connection between First Nations people and their land, showcasing a powerful blend of traditional techniques and materials woven into contemporary designs.
Show 2 - 'Rising Colours: The BLAK Party' - was bright, bold, and unapologetically Blak, celebrating the significant 10-year milestone of Country to Couture. The show spotlighted the vibrant creativity of First Nations designers and artists, whose bold collections showcased the diversity and strength of the Indigenous fashion sector.
While the audience rose to cheer on models and designers in their finale walk, musician BARKAA performed her hit song King Brown, rocking one of the latest designs from her mother Cleonie Quayle.
DAAF Foundation's executive director, Claire Summers, reflected on the significance of the moment.
"Tonight's show was an exhilarating celebration of how First Nations designers and artists master traditional practices to inform contemporary design," she said.
"This evening's milestone represents more than just a decade of runway shows, it embodies a cultural revolution that continues to redefine Australian fashion, it's incredible to see how Country to Couture has evolved from a showcase celebrating Indigenous textiles into the nation's premier platform for First Nations fashion innovation."
This year welcomed ten new designers making their Country to Couture debut, alongside returning Art Centres and designers; including Nagula Jarndu Designs and Yarrabah Arts & Cultural Precinct who have shown collections in multiple years, including the very first Country to Couture runway show in 2016.
This year also saw talented First Nations creative Lindyn Rowland take on the role of Head Stylist alongside returning Assistant Stylist Jake Powers, and model mentor Cassie Puruntatameri; under the mentorship of Karinda Mutabazi.
"Through close collaboration with artists, I've developed an eye for blending traditional elements with contemporary fashion, ensuring that authenticity is at the forefront of every presentation," said Rowland.
"I feel a deep sense of responsibility to uplift, empower and amplify Indigenous voices in the fashion industry. I'm committed to these artists, designers, and creators. Each garment tells a story, we're here to celebrate excellence."
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard praised the team's achievement and the runway's wider significance, noting that their creativity, technical skill, cultural and community knowledge was instrumental in bringing the garments and the stories held within each piece to life.
"It's been exciting and inspiring to watch the team work together this year. Under the incredibly talented guidance, teaching and infectious positivity of Karinda, our team has just received a massive growth experience. It's been the perfect recipe and we've achieved exactly what we aim for in terms of equity of access to knowledge and experience that lays the foundations for sustainable futures," she said.
Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) was established by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation in response to the voiced needs of its membership of Art Centres and artists, and the broader independent design community. Delivering a suite of national programs and events, IFP aims to empower, elevate and nurture the success and sustainability of Indigenous people and communities in fashion and textile practice and careers.
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