fashion

"A spectacle like no other": Country to Couture designers announced

Phoebe Blogg - March 24, 2025

Designer Cassie Leatham behind the scenes at Country to Couture 2024. (Image: Marley Morgan)

Designers for Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair's 2025 Country to Couture showcase have been announced ahead of the event's 10th anniversary.

They include returning favourites Cassie Leatham of Yanggurdi and Lillardia Briggs-Houston, as well as up and coming Art Centres Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre and Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art.

Country to Couture has evolved from an intimate showcase of Indigenous textiles into the nation's premier platform for First Nations fashion innovation.

The event has grown into a national phenomenon after beginning as a modest showcase amongst the art centre booths in the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair hall in 2016.

Since launching, Country to Couture has bridged the perceived gap between traditional artistic practices and contemporary fashion expression, celebrating the brilliant convergence of art and fashion led by First Nations creatives.

*A model wearing Nagula Jarndu's wedding collection. (Image: Michael-Jalaru-Torres)*

Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard, said the event demonstrates how First Nations designers and artists master traditional practices to inform contemporary design.

"As the fashion world grapples with questions of authenticity, sustainability, and cultural representation, Country to Couture stands as a masterclass in meaningful fashion innovation and empowering representation," Maynard said.

"Country to Couture demonstrates how First Nations designers and artists master traditional practices to inform contemporary design, how ancient storytelling can speak to modern audiences, and how fashion can be both culturally significant and commercially viable.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the tenth anniversary of Country To Couture, the event has become a highlight of the Australian fashion industry calendar, launching careers of First Nations designers, artists, models and creatives alike.

"To welcome 23 collections to the runway this year will be a spectacle like no other".

*Model Cassie-Black wearing Lillardia Briggs-Houston Walmurra collection. (Image: Marley Morgan)*

With more than 15 talented First Nations designers set to showcase their designs at this year's event, both media and the public are sure to see a handful of both new and returning Indigenous creatives.

The lineup for this year's Country to Couture include the following designers and Art Centres: (Art Centre or designer / collection)

Girringun Aboriginal Art Centre / Murrgan

Tjarlirli & Kaltukatjara Art / Pirriya

Lillardia Briggs-Houston / Yaludhu Winhanganha (I remember)

EleRaze Creatives Sonya Coleman, Sonearae Bilney, Tallulah Bilney / Tjindu (Sun)

Mowanjum Arts and Cultural Centre x Milpali / Reclaiming Country

Sandra Delaney / Salt Water Murris Quandamooka / Yarabaanjara maguijan (Sea Country Spirits)

Cortney Glass / Kourt / Dreaming of Home

Rechelle Turner & Megan Daley / Corella & Crow / nguramban-dhi (From Country)

Simone Arnol / Butterfly Kisses

Cassie Leatham / Yanggurdi / Baabapbul kwiiap (bushtukka woven journey)

Delvene Cockatoo-Collins / A Riddle and A Conundrum