Aboriginal artist Rowena Morgan recently showcased her designs on Darwin's Country to Couture runway for the very first time.

Born in Wyndham, WA, and growing up in Halls Creek, Morgan is a Kija & Gooniyandi woman from her grandparents that were taken from their traditional countries and placed on missions.

Morgan has been a part of various art centres. She continues to grow her own art business Nangarri Designs.

This month, Morgan showcased Nangarri Designs at Country to Couture, demonstrating to audience members how her training and education has translated into wearable garments that are both culturally powerful and modern.

"Last few weeks have been busy leading up to be here in Darwin for the Country to Couture fashion show and also preparing, putting a small collection together for the KAFTA show ( Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Artists ) a fashion show in Broome which they also provide fashion development that I have been apart of and have found very helpful on my fashion journey since winning the NIFAs Textiles Design Award in 2023," Morgan told Style Up.

"This is my first time participating as a independent artist/ designer so when I saw the release for this year's show I thought i would have a crack at it and apply as it was a goal to get into a fashion show after my win in 2023."

"It's been surreal, exciting as I have been working on this collection since I was told I was accepted into this year's show, I have been lucky to found and work with a dressmaker/ seamstress her locally in Broome that has brought all my sketch designs to reality for this show," she said.

"My collection in the Country to Couture fashion show was called Connection to TAAM (Country) with once of designs and the first shift dress for the Vio & Olly collection which will be done in small batches with limited quantities."

"The clothing brand is called Vio & Olly after my grandmother Violet and my mum Olive my matriarchs, first teachers."

Morgan said she is looking forward to continuing her fashion journey.

"No projects at the moment, but have set myself a small goal to do six to eight months of product development," she said.

"I'm hoping my participation at the Country to Couture fashion show year helps me grow and continue to learn on my fashion journey.

"I have had the privilege of having my niece Calli-Rose walking, opening my collection in show as well as other beautiful Kimberley models that wore my pieces down the runway it's a good feeling when we see Kimberley kids in our designs."

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