Fashion Design Award
Four Aboriginal fashion designers have been announced as finalists in the the Fashion Design category of the National Indigenous Designer Awards that will take place on August 5.
The Award recognises a commercial fashion label that has a minimum of two collections of original designs of either clothing, accessories or jewellery. We’d like to introduce you to the four outstanding finalists.
Liandra Gaykamangu – Liandra Swim
Liandra is a Yolngu woman from North-East Arnhem Land.
Evolving into a sustainable swimwear brand, Liandra Swim’s fabrics are made from regenerated plastics and the packaging is made from completely bio-degradable cassava. There are bonus points with added value for shoppers of the Contrast Collection. Each swimsuit is actually two as they are completely reversible with a different print on each side. Every piece is named after a groundbreaking indigenous woman.
“We firmly believe that Empowered Women, Empower Women and so, we are making this the foundation of Liandra Swim. We hope to create opportunities for learning, sharing and listening between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.”
Julie Shaw – Maara Collective
@maara.collective
Julie is a Yuwaalaraay woman from NSW Australia. Maara means “hands” in the Yuwaalaraay and Gamilaraay language groups. The many hands of indigenous artists and artisans are involved with Maara. The current Resort 20 range was made in collaboration with the Bula’bula Art Centre of North East Arnhem Land.
As partners in the global Buy1Give1 initiative Maara gives back to the community. Each purchase through Maara Collective’s online store provides much needed digital skills training and education to remote Aboriginal communities.
Denni Francisco – Ngali
Denni is a Wiradjuri woman from New South Wales. Ngali translates to ‘us’, or ‘we’ in a number of Indigenous languages throughout Australia. Passionate about ecological and environmental sustainability and keeping their carbon footprint low, Ngali is a slow fashion label adorned with prints of designs by Indigenous artists.
“We’re creating the ‘us’ we’d like to see: a harmonious, sustainable and equitable union of people with the planet.”
Ngali also partners with Buy1Give1, providing funds for developing iteracy and tech skills for children in remote communities.
Cheryl Creed – Muurii Quu
Cheryl is a direct descendant of the Gunggari, Pitta-Pitta, Bindal and Quandamooka People of Queensland. “Murri” stands for the aboriginal people of Queensland, with Quu deriving from “Queensland”. Muurii Quu’s distinctive black evening gowns are sustainable, with each garment created from discarded clothing that otherwise would go to landfill.
” I only design black evening gowns. The black is representative of my heritage as an Aboriginal woman. It’s classy, timeless and everyone can wear it” with accessories of a splash of colour if desired.
Twenty nine more finalists have been nominated in five other categories including Textile Design, Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art, and Environmental and Social Contribution.
The National Indigenous Fashion Awards will be live streamed and televised on NITV and SBS on August 5. Check out more about the awards categories here.
