Set within the Charles Darwin University’s Danala Campus forecourt, last night’s Country to Couture runway shows fittingly took place beneath a heritage boab tree.
In what was a landmark two-night celebration on Larrakia Country, the Country to Couture staged its first runway programme, heralding a thrilling new chapter for Australia’s largest annual showcase of First Nations fashion.
Interestingly Danala, as in the name of the Campus, means “dillybag” in Larrakia language, and this symbolises a place for holding and sharing knowledge, reinforcing the fashion show’s enduring connection to Country, culture and community
The special event was part of the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (DAAF) Foundation’s 20th anniversary programme. And will help to create pathways for First Nations designers, artists and creatives on a national and global stage.
Country to Couture
Photo by Dylan Buckee
The expanded two-night showcase built on the momentum of the opening evening of powerful matriarchs, by bringing leading First Nations men, creatives and cultural voices, to prepare the ground for the sharing of diverse stories and cultures across 10 striking collections.
Simon Carmichael, DAAF’s Artistic Director in his first year of Country to Couture, created a beautiful interpretation of the collections into the story of the seasons, developing the thematic and celebrating the rich seasonal expression imbued in the collections walking the runway.
Song man Larry Gurruwiwi performed for the opening sequence and was accompanied by the yidaki player Vernon Gurruwiwi, followed by a spoken word piece by Jimblah leading into the first collection.
Photo by Dylan Buckee
And for the first time in its history, the runway opened with a men’s wear collection by designer and previous Country to Couture model Lucas Schober, and featured a second men’s swimwear collection by another young male designer Robbie Hartigan with Marayn Menswear.
On the runway, designs spoke to the strength and continuity of First Nations cultures, where Country is recognised as a living relationship – one that carries power, knowledge and deep interconnectedness across generations.
Indigenous Fashion Projects Manager Michelle Maynard said the success of Country to Couture reflected the strength, growth and continued momentum of First Nations fashion across Australia.
“The increasing number of younger designers presenting collections, gathering mentors and exploring the industry reflects the generational transference of knowledge and creative courage in fashion.
“Country to Couture is an aspirational space, every year we showcase new designers, new collections and the abundance of standout show stopping pieces is a reflection of the growth and development in the sector.
“It’s a special year this year to be holding our show back on country and in the presence of such a powerful old ancestor tree.”
Michelle Maynard also spoke of the the calibre of creatives involved, and her pride in “the elevation we see in collections and watching the growth and confidence of returning models and team members.”
