First Nations Fashion: Walking in Two Worlds was one of the amazing diverse events to kick off the first weekend of this year’s vibrant Brisbane Festival.
Held at South Bank Piazza, the show started with a welcome to country and a smoking ceremony dance – which set off the smoke alarms.
After a short break to have the firefighters check we were all safe and a few jokes about how the fashions were so hot, the show was back on and did not disappoint.
The event name Walking in Two Worlds says it all: the night was an amazing mix of fashion and culture.
The strong First Nations designers told stories through their designs, from swimwear and evening gowns to Hollywood glamour and linen daywear.
Among the designers, Indii Swim featured dusty pink and deep purple dot art by Nancy Pattison. The mix was a perfect blend and all made from recycled material.
Magpie Goose’s bright linen prints, designed by Troy Casey and Amanda Hayman, were truly wearable art that showed bold prints of sting rays, pine trees, and traditional tools.
Jarawee’s Quandamooka collection of brightly coloured, sea- and eucalyptus-inspired pieces with puff sleeves and rhinestone accents showed designer Briana Enoch’s talent and strong connection to country.
Also among the featured Indigenous fashion designers were Nat Orchard of Iharaa Swim, Natalie Cunningham of Native Swimwear Australia, Karen Rodgers of Ngukurr Arts, Elverina Johnson, and Fiona Wirrer-George.
The fashion show featured some 20 Indigenous local models, deadly dancers, and hip hop artist Kaylah Truth.
The show wrapped up with a standing ovation from the audience.
The ancestors would have been so proud.
The Brisbane Festival is underway now, with a range of events continuing until this Saturday 25 September. Details and tickets are available now online.
Kimmy was a guest of the Brisbane Festival.
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