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  2. All The Can't Miss Moments From Australian Fashion Week 2021

The First Nations Fashion + Design Show Made History At AAFW

A rousing runway bringing new meaning to ‘fashion forward’ - by Kathryn Madden
  • 02 Jun 2021
The First Nations Fashion + Design Show Made History At AAFW
Getty Images

Sometimes a fashion show is more than just a stream of luxe and lovely looks, but a moment that moves us. A moment that sends chills down your spine and fills up your heart. And a moment that stays with you long after the house lights come up and you’re back in the heady rush of Fashion Week.

Wednesday morning’s presentation by First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD) was one such show; a runway of “firsts” that transcended trends and marked a significant step towards Indigenous visibility in the Australian fashion industry. It showcased a line-up of seven deadly First Nations designers, a cast of First Nations models, and a First Nations production and back-of-house team.

The mood was set with a sculptural installation of native Australian florals and grass by Libby Emerson of e SQUARED Design, and a soundscape of trickling water and chirping birds. World-renowned musician and didgeridoo player William Barton followed by hip hop artist DRMNGNOW took the stage, and dancers Luke Currie-Richardson and Cleopatra Pryce responded with fluid and mesmerising movement.

The fashion was rich and vibrant - a medley of traditional prints, striking slogans, stand-out swimwear, easy activewear and swishy silks and linens, created by Indigenous labels Grace Lillian Lee, AARLI, Amber Days, NUNGALA Creative, Sown in Time, NGARRU MIIMI and Clair Helen.

To close the show, electronic duo Electric Fields performed “From Little Things Big Things Grow” with a soulful and stirring vocal by Zaachariaha Fielding. Originally released by Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody, the song tells the story of the Gurindji people’s struggle for equality and land rights after the walk-off at Wave Hill in 1966. Notably today's show took place on the eve of the 29th anniversary of the Mabo decision and made history once more - a moment, yes, but also an important piece of the broader movement for Indigenous rights and recognition in Australia.

The models returned to the runway en masse for a powerful finale, stopping to pass sand from their hands. The whole room rose for a standing ovation, tears flowing and an energy for change reverberating around the room. Long may that energy live on.

Designs by Grace Lillian Lee

Designs by Grace Lillian Lee

Getty Images
Grace Lillian Lee

Designs by Grace Lillian Lee

Getty Images
Designs by Grace Lillian Lee

Designs by Grace Lillian Lee

Getty Images
Designs by Clair Helen

Designs by Clair Helen

Getty Images
Sown in Time

Designs by Sown in Time

Getty Images
Sown in Time

Designs by Sown in Time

Getty Images
Sown in Time

Designs by Sown in Time

Getty Images
Ngarru Miimi

Designs by NGARRU MIIMI

Getty Images
Designs by Ngarru Miimi

Designs by NGARRU MIIMI

Getty Images
Amber Days

Designs by Amber Days

Getty Images
Amber Days

Designs by Amber Days

Getty Images
AARLI

Designs by AARLI

Getty Images
Nungala Creative

Designs by NUNGALA Creative

Getty Images
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Kathryn Madden
Kathryn Madden
Kathryn Madden is the Deputy Features Director of marie claire magazine, and spends her days writing about feminism, fashion and everything in between. She’s also written for Grazia, InStyle, Qantas and Home Beautiful, and is the editor and founder of Lonely Continent.
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