This Wednesday, on Gadigal land, the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects runway returns, showcasing the incredible talent and innovation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers in the Australia and international fashion industry. The event will be a testament to the power of collaboration and community, bringing together designers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts to celebrate the rich cultural heritage and contemporary creativity of First Nations peoples.
Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager Michelle Maynard said the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects runway "was created to ensure that the immense talent, innovations, and works rooted in thousands of generations of culture that First Nations designers bring to the Australian and international fashion industry, is represented and celebrated".
"Acknowledging that there is still a long way to go in terms of representation, our team is proud of the impact this event will have on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples working in the textile and fashion industry," she said.
Ms Maynard said the celebrated event has helped carve out space for First Nations designers in the fashion mainstream since it was established in 2021.
Bridget Veals, one of the designers in the IFPP program, said being part of the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathway Program was "an incredible experience".
"It gave me the opportunity to showcase my work on a national and international stage, and to connect with other First Nations designers and industry professionals. I was thrilled to see my designs come to life on the runway, and to share my culture and creativity with the world," she said.
Attendees can expect to find works ranging from the bold colours of GALI Swimwear by David Leslie, to the contemporary silhouettes and earthy tones of Miimi and Jinda.
The collections to be showcased will bring the talent and innovation of First Nations designers to the forefront.
In addition, other designers such as Lazy Girl Lingerie, Gammin Threads, Kamara Swim, Joseph & James and Ihraa Swim, will be seen on the runway.
