On the runway: fashion by the world’s oldest continuous living cultures.
Winter is coming, fam! NGL, we’re heaps keen.
Why? Well, it’s time to stock up on some chic cold-weather wear that’ll get us through the months ahead. Obvs. (Cosy coats and giant scarves, come at us.)
But also, Afterpay Australian Fashion Week (AAFW) is right around the corner, offering a chance to soak up the latest winter fashion trends ahead of your next shopping spree. Be at Carriageworks in Sydney between 15–19 May for the opportunity to experience Fashion Week like a true insider: there’ll be runway shows, panels, drinks, dining and more!
If there’s just one AAFW event you’ll see this year, though, let it be the David Jones Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) Runway, happening at 8pm on Wednesday 17 May. Read on as IFP manager Michelle Maynard and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Artistic Director Shilo McNamee give us the 411 on this unmissable event.
About the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathways Program.
Indigenous Fashion Projects is an incredibly exciting fashion label development program from the DAAF Foundation. The project’s AAFW runway forms part of its Pathway Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers.
“Since launching the program in 2020 in partnership with David Jones, Indigenous Fashion Projects has been helping First Nations designers to build their capacity, shape their identity and bolster their position in the industry,” says Michelle.
By fostering connection through the medium of fashion, the 24-month program plays a long-overdue role in paving the road for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers to be represented in the fashion industry at a national and international level.
“Culturally, we are creative people,” says Michelle. “The program provides real opportunities for our designers to succeed and live sustainably through creative expression and supports us in our cultural ways of being in this contemporary world.”
How the Pathway Program works.
The Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathway Program helps tell the stories of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples through fashion in a way that’s accessible to broader audiences (e.g. AAFW goers). Through the delivery of customised workshops, participants learn the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the business of fashion – and thrive within it.
With support from AAFW, the 2023 program also offers mentorship opportunities with an impressive group of Australian design heavyweights, including:
- Charlotte Hicks of ESSE
- Mary Lou Ryan and Deborah Sams of bassike
- Jacqueline Hunt and Lisa Dempsey of Jac + Jack
- Dale McCarthy of BONDI BORN
- Lesleigh Jermanus of ALEMAIS
- Ana Piteira of Blanca
- Renae James of Papinelle
By providing access to a wealth of industry expertise and network development opportunities, the program has helped launch the careers of many past participants, including award-winning designers Julie Shaw of MAARA Collective and Denni Francisco of Ngali. Both brands have since been involved in many prestigious shows and collaborations since, including an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples fashion showcase held in Europe in 2022.
David Jones now stocks their collections.
“Ngali will be showcasing AAFW’s first-ever standalone First Nations runway at 10am on 17 May,” says Michelle. You’ll be able to spot some cutting-edge winter fashion by MAARA Collective in AAFW’s closing show (We Wear Australian x Afterpay).
Meet the designers.
With each designer in the 2023 Indigenous Fashion Projects Show making their AAFW debut, there’ll be fresh talent aplenty. Get ready to be wowed by an array of innovative creations.
Here’s a little bit about this year’s cohort:
GALI Swimwear
GALI Swimwear by David Leslie is the culmination of David’s deep connection to the coast and his love for Indigenous culture and art. “Our swimwear starts conversations.”
JOSEPH & JAMES
JOSEPH & JAMES by Juanita Page provides customers with something distinct but long-lasting, both in design and quality. “I aim to provide a unique signature on each piece … [and] apply more artistry into everyday functional menswear.”
Ihraa Swim
Ihraa Swim by Nat Dann is Nat’s daughter’s name, Aarhi, spelled backwards. “I draw my inspiration from my culture and upbringing as a salt-water woman.”
Lazy Girl Lingerie
Lazy Girl Lingerie by Cassandra Pons creates an inclusive space for women of all shapes, sizes, colours and ages. “Lingerie doesn’t have to be for anyone else’s gaze. It can be something that feels like a superpower.”
Gammon Threads
Gammin Threads by Tahnee Edwards was born from a love of typography, language and blak pride. “It’s a staunch aunty label that likes good design and being cheeky.”
KAMARA Australia
KAMARA Australia by Naomi Collings combines culture, skin health, art and fashion with Naomi’s personal experience of melanoma. “[We design] undeniably gorgeous, sun-conscious swimwear.
Miimi & Jiinda
Miimi & Jiinda by Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett arose from a desire to express ancestral stories through something more than canvas. “My strongest inspiration for my art comes from my Country.”
The Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway will feature a broader category of collections this year, so expect to see some fabulous men’s and women’s winter fashion as well as streetwear, menswear, ready-to-wear and lingerie.
Get involved!
Afterpay is super proud to support the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathway Program. Keen to help us champion Australian Indigenous fashion? Here are four ways you can play a part:
- Attend the 2023 Indigenous Fashion Projects Runway (buy tix now!)
- Follow Indigenous Fashion Projects and the designers on Insta
- Subscribe to the Indigenous Fashion Projects e-newsletter
- Become a donor to show your support
And, of course, you can nab some stylish pieces for your capsule winter wardrobe on the designers’ websites. (Some currently offer Afterpay, so you can shop the latest winter fashion today and pay in 4 interest-free instalments. No need to wait.)
