Naarm-based Aboriginal artist Simone Thomson is a highly skilled creative, whose work is inspired by the textures and colours of Country, the Birrarung (Yarra River), and Dhungala (Murray River).

"I am a Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta artist with a diverse practice spanning public art, murals, sculptures, weaving, painting, design commissions, and now fashion," Thomson told Style Up.

"My artistic practice stems from my deep spiritual connection to Culture and Country, and a creative urge to produce evocative works which connect people of all walks of life and cultural backgrounds to Aboriginal storytelling.

"I draw inspiration for my art from the abundant textures and colours of this beautiful land along with the ancestral bonds I have to the Birrarung and Dhungala. My people are river people, so I find that waterways often interweave into my art along with dreaming and creation stories of the sky."

This week Thomson debuted her clothing collection on a runway for the very first time. Showcasing her new Nugal Biik, Belongs to Country collection at Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair's Country to Couture runway, Thomson's collection was a true reflection of her spirit and passion for creating.

"This is my first time participating in Country to Couture—and in fact, my first time having my work showcased on any runway! It's such a special moment to see all of my garments brought together in one space, worn by each of the models," she said.

"I'm especially excited to witness the energy and stories come to life through the rhythm of movement."

When speaking on the new collection, Thomson shared the meaning behind its creation and how it reflects her connection to both Country and contemporary fashion.

"Nugal Biik, Belongs to Country, is a deeply personal collection that celebrates the connection between Country, culture, and contemporary fashion. Inspired by the Birrarung- river of mist and shadows, the hypnotic Milky Way stars, our sacred Songlines, and the energy of Melbourne fashion, each piece blends ancestral storylines with modern design," she said.

"Featuring both men's and women's garments, along with handmade jewellery and accessories, this collection honours tradition through form, texture, and detail. It speaks to the strength of cultural memory and our unbreakable ties to land, story, and spirit."

In addition to this being Thomson's first time debuting her garments on a runway, she was thrilled to have two of her children walk the runway in her designs.

"I'm beyond grateful and incredibly proud that two of my children—one of my daughters and my son—will be walking the runway in my designs. It feels like a full-circle moment," she said.

"When I was younger, I modelled for Indigenous designers across Australia, wearing hand-painted and printed garments created for iconic artists like Mick Jagger, Annie Lennox, and Elton John. And now, decades later, my own art will be worn by my children. It's a surreal and deeply emotional experience."

Thomson's collection, produced by her own drive, creativity and inspiration, drew plenty of attention from attendees.

"I'm really looking forward to sharing the runway with other talented First Nations designers from across the country and learning more about their unique processes and stories," Thomson told Style Up prior to her runway presentation.

"This collection is a solo project creatively, but the support and assistance of my incredible team has made the vision possible. While I didn't collaborate directly with other First Nations creatives this time, I'm constantly inspired by our broader creative community."

When models walked Thomson's designs down the runway it was clear this collection was both grounded and expressive, showcasing a rich palette of bold and earthy tones, alongside hand-painted prints that share stories of identity, connection, and Country.

"With a strong emphasis on movement, texture, and cultural symbolism, each piece is designed to embody both strength and softness. My hope is that the audience not only sees the work, but feels it; through pride, memory, and meaning," she said.

Thomson agrees noted there is a significant and growing interest in and demand for First Nations fashion and design.

"First Nations fashion is expanding in the most exciting way. There's a growing interest—not just locally but globally—for authentic voices and designs that centre culture and storytelling," she said.

"I've noticed an increase in collaborations that respectfully honour cultural protocols. It feels like we're moving into a powerful new era where First Nations creatives are leading the narrative."

Looking ahead, the talented creative revealed she has big plans for the future.

"From a fashion perspective, I hope to refine and continue to work on my collection, strategizing on how best to prepare for larger-scale production. I'm looking forward to creating more designs and stories for future collections by broadening my industry knowledge and skillset," she said.

"At the end of the day, I want my pieces to be inclusive and accessible and to reach a broader audience who ultimately love fashion and art, no matter their background."

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