First Nations community members and guests of Canberra's luxury shopping precinct were treated to the inaugural Indigenous Fashion show on Friday evening, where talented Wiradjuri artist Kristie Peters launched her new fashion brand BlakLabel Dreaming.

Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canberrans came together to showcase First Nations culture in an event that brought magic to the territory.

Ms Peters, who started fashion designining with her late twin brother BJ as a teenager, has followed her passion and fulfilled a dream they had once planned together. Community members worked alongside Ms Peters' husband Tim Mutton, her beautiful children, and close friend Deanne Booth, to coordinate the event, model, design hair and make-up and to create and style accessories.

The joy was demonstrated in the front row by Elders and other guests. (Image: Ben Calvert)

For many of the models this was their first time being involved in a fashion event, with most participants expressing a keen interest for future involvement in similar events. Community members told National Indigenous Times that more events like this, that bring the community together, is exactly what the region needs.

In attendance was ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, Minister for Health and Indigenous Affairs Rachel Stephen-Smith, Indigenous Elders, Traditional Owners, and high profile First Nations community members.

The event was MCd by Jacob Keed, and the ACT Local Hero of 2024 Ngunnawal woman Selina Walker performed a Welcome to Country for the crowd before Minister Stephen-Smith provided a heartfelt speech.

Selina Walker during the Welcome to Country. (Image: Ben Calvert)

"I hope that it will be an opportunity for us to all celebrate what is yet to come as well as what has been achieved to date. Because the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories is something that we need to do well beyond reconciliation day, reconciliation week," Minister Stephen-Smith said.

Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith. (Image: Ben Calvert)

"Showcasing and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence is one element that is critical to reconciliation, working together and listening to the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is key to our values as Canberrans and to the Canberra that we are working to build.

"I feel very privileged to be the Minister of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander affairs and to join us here tonight as we celebrate First Nations Arts and Cultures through the launch of the indigenous fashion Blaklabel Dreaming.

"This event is about showing off Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence and of course excellence in the ACT. Today we get the opportunity to see firsthand also the spirit of reconciliation at work along with the celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander design" she said.

General Manager of Canberra Centre Gary Stewart addressed the crowd.

"We first met Kristie 18 months ago and we've been really delighted to watch our relationship flourish at this time," he said.

"We have planned a feature of a number of custom murals throughout centre I'm incredibly excited to see how that translated into fashion tonight through our ongoing partnership with Darwin, Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation, and Indigenous fashion project.

"We've been fortunate enough to incorporate Kristie's art into national Indigenous fashion award visual displays for the last two years and in August this year, the local artist activation program was established, providing Kirstie the opportunity to travel with us to Darwin to Northern Territory to be part of Country to Couture the national Indigenous or NIFA Fashion Awards and other surrounding engagements".

Mr Stewart expressed a commitment to ensuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designer talent is fostered and entry into the world of fashion can be nurtured and facilitated.

Guests were treated to performances by local First Nations musicians Stewart Barton and Tahalianna Soward-Mahanga who both supported Yothu Yindi at the recent Reconciliation Day concert.

Ashtray Monet a proud Wiradjuri - Gamilaroi sistagurl brothaboy who modelled a stunning red sequin evening gown, said it's been amazing to be part of this runway tonight and they are so proud of Kristie and Tim.

Abraham Quinn who belongs to the Kalkadoon people from Mount Isa told NIT that he had not modelled before, however it was something that he could possibly see himself do again.

Ms Peter's Wiradjuri niece Ada-may told NIT that she had never modelled before, but the experience had been positive and indicated that she would like to more. (Image: Ben Calvert)

The event embodied the true spirit of contemporary Aboriginal culture, it was unified, uplifting and buzzed with positive energy, both from the models who brought their vibrant presence to the catwalk, the helpers bustling around to ensure the smooth running of the event and the crowd, whose engagement and enthusiasm for each collection shined equally as many cheered throughout the event.

As for Blaklabels designs and materials on display that evening, there were rich colours of First Nations artwork and designs were delicately featured on soft silk and bamboo fabrics that really need to be seen and felt firsthand.

Ms Peters attention to detail was evident in the subtle details of the art bestowed on each design right down to the buttons and trimming features.

The range has been carefully considered, from evening wear to sleepwear and activewear, there truely is something for everyone.

Of her new label Ms Peters said "Our products speak from the heart, celebrate Aboriginal art and culture, and are designed for anyone who appreciates the beauty of the cultural significance of Australian Aboriginal art".

Black Label Dreaming (BLD) stands for "Believe in yourself, Live your dream and Dream big".

Behind the scenes of the fashion show with National Indigenous Times Journalist Jess Whaler.