A veteran in the First Nations fashion community, few can style a runway which is both culturally symbolic and contemporary in design like Indigenous creative Lindyn Rowland.
Taking on the role of creative director and runway stylist (with Karinda Mutabazi as consultant and mentor) at Melbourne Fashion Week's ganbu marra runway, last week Rowland showcased his stylistic abilities, executing a runway which was modern yet meaningful.
Known for his down to earth nature, creative drive and polished styling choices, Rowland was the perfect fit to lead the creative direction of the popular runway.
Speaking at to Style Up at Melbourne Fashion Week, Rowland said he was grateful to have the opportunity to both style the runway and work alongside mob.
"Coming back to Melbourne Fashion Week feels very full circle. I moved to Melbourne very spontaneously for Melbourne Fashion Week four years ago when I was asked to walk in a few shows, including Joey Romano's Underground runway at the MCG," he said.
"I have walked in the ganbu marra runway every year since, and now I'm styling the show.. I truly manifested this."
When speaking on his styling process, Rowland said it was important for for him to bring his own personal influence to the show whilst incorporating aspects and elements of Country.
"I believe as a stylist you're booked to bring your personal flavour to the show, and of course I have no plans leaving my 'Concrete Cowboy' era, so that is exactly what this year's show is," he said.
Whilst he was eager to see all First Nations designers walk the runway, Rowland said he was especially proud to see Kaninda feature in the runway's line-up.
"I love them all, of course! However, I want to highlight Kaninda. When I first got approached to be the stylist of this show, I was sitting at Heathrow Airport in London coming home from one of the greatest trips... reading this opportunity, the first thing to come to mind was my Uncle Andy who is a huge reason why I am in this career, I knew I wanted to honour him," he said.
"I was his stylist on The AFL TV show Yokayi, and 'unc' introduced me to the incredible designer at Kaninda, he always felt his best in them.
"I approached Kaninda, and asked them if we could collaborate on a jersey style tee that honours his legacy, but also our relationship, so that is a garment I feel deeply proud of this year."
When speaking on the opportunity for Indigenous creatives at this year's event, Rowland said he found Melbourne Fashion Week to be highly inclusive.
"Melbourne Fashion Week and the City of Melbourne are at the top of representation," he said.
"I can't talk for everyone, however that is my beliefs, especially my own experience working with them these past few years and planned future collaborations."
Regarding future projects and upcoming opportunities, Rowland said whilst he is not sure what's next, the goal of a Vogue Magazine cover is definitely in his sights.
"I truly have no idea haha! Hopefully a VOGUE cover, First Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander male on the cover would be pretty cool," he said.
"I was the head stylist of the 10th anniversary of Country to Couture on Larrakia Country, Darwin...," he said.
"Working on Larrakia Country for 3.5 weeks was the biggest and most recent project I have taken on prior to Melbourne Fashion Week, two shows, one night, 45 models and 239 exits.
"All whilst working on the opening show for Melbourne Fashion Week."
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