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The First Nations Fashion + Design Show Made History At AAFW

A rousing runway bringing new meaning to ‘fashion forward’
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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.

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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.

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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.

Grace Lillian Lee
Designs by Grace Lillian Lee (Credit: Getty Images)
FFND
Designs by Grace Lillian Lee (Credit: Getty Images)
Designs by Grace Lillian Lee
Designs by Grace Lillian Lee (Credit: Getty Images)
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Designs by Clair Helen
Designs by Clair Helen (Credit: Getty Images)
Sown in Time
Designs by Sown in Time (Credit: Getty Images)
Sown in Time
Designs by Sown in Time (Credit: Getty Images)
Sown in Time
Designs by Sown in Time (Credit: Getty Images)
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Ngarru Miimi
Designs by NGARRU MIIMI (Credit: Getty Images)
Designs by Ngarru Miimi
Designs by NGARRU MIIMI (Credit: Getty Images)
Amber Days
Designs by Amber Days (Credit: Getty Images)
Amber Days
Designs by Amber Days (Credit: Getty Images)
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AARLI
Designs by AARLI (Credit: Getty Images)
Nungala Creative
Designs by NUNGALA Creative (Credit: Getty Images)

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