Working to assist and progress the careers of Indigenous creatives, Australian fashion brand Bonds has partnered with First Nations Fashion & Design (FNFD) for a new activations program.
Offering free workshops to First Nations people in Australia, the two businesses have joined forces to boost the opportunities available to First Nations creatives within – or hoping to break into – the fashion industry.
Powered by Bonds, the FNFD Activations Program, also aims to encourage in-person and online learning opportunities to those across the nation, providing First Nations creatives interested in fashion and design access to additional knowledge and resources.
Each workshop will explore various themes surrounding the process of fashion design via a mix of virtual and hands-on sessions. There will also be an emphasis on two-way learning and exchange of knowledge for First Nations creatives and the wider creative industry.
Participants will learn from the expertise of FNFD individuals including artist and teacher, Helena Loncaric as well as several experts from Bonds HQ across the areas of design, product development, merchandising and marketing.
The program consists of nine workshops, the first set to launch on 31 July, where participants will learn hands-on printing techniques on blank Bonds shirts. The workshops will be announced monthly on both FNFD's social channels and website.
FNFD founder Grace Lillian Lee shared her excitement about bringing the program to life and being able to provide additional opportunities and networks for First Nations creatives.
"We are excited to continue our partnership with the incredible team at BONDS with the launch of our Activations Program," Ms Lee said.
"FNFD endeavours to provide additional opportunities and networks for First Nations creatives with the aim to increase representation within the wider industry.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples and communities have so much to share, by way of cultures, stories and talents, and FNFD and Bonds co-curated this Program to support and celebrate the immense talent out there."
This series of workshops align with FNFD's mission to promote ethical and sustainable avenues of growth, fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, and raising awareness about the contributions of First Nations people to the fashion industry.
Since joining forces last year, Bonds and FNFD say they are proud to create inclusive and accessible spaces for emerging designers and creatives.
Bonds head of marketing Kedda Ghazarian said the fashion brand couldn't be more excited to foster the next generation of designers and see the number of First Nations creatives grow.
"We are so proud to help provide pathways for young First Nations creatives through our partnership with FNFD," Ms Ghazarian said.
"This program of free workshop events is an important step on our RAP journey and will help to create meaningful access for those looking to get into the industry – we couldn't be more excited to foster the next generation of designers."
The First Nations Fashion & Design (FNFD) Activations Program, Powered by Bonds, will launch 31 July.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
