Australian fashion is a vast landscape of talent, there is no ignoring this fact. At RUSSH, we consistently aim to champion our very own fashion industry in the way that it deserves. Pandora Australian Fashion Week 2024 saw a myriad of First Nations designers offer sprawling collections that represent our vast pool of talent which First Nations designers are at the forefront of. Hailing from all over the country, their designs pay homage to the roots of this country. Their contributions as multidisciplinary Indigenous designers are changing the way we experience Australian fashion at every step. Below, we’ve rounded up 11 of our favourite First Nations designers.

 

Kirrikin

Luxury resort wear that features artworks from contemporary Indigenous Australian artists. Kirrikin is an aboriginal word that roughly translates as “Sunday’s best clothes”, part of the language recoded by missionaries visiting the Hunter Valley in the early 1820’s. Kirrikin's mission is one that deals with the revitalisation of the Wonnarua language. Kirrikin sources artists from around Australia. Each range is curated to communicate message and intent with the prints that are produced onto luxury fabrics. With an expansive offering of resort wear, swimwear and accessories, you’re bound to find the right print and cut for you.

 

NORTH

NORTH works with remote community art centres around Australia to develop products that are both visually beautiful and high in quality. Their fabric is designed by remote Indigenous artists. This ethos connects the Australian community with the indigenous artists that are NORTH's collaborators. NORTH’s prints are tonal, intricate, and available in multiple cuts as well as home textiles, as the brand are committed to minimising their environmental impact. NORTH is also a part of the Indigenous Art Code of Ethics and ensures transactions of art and money are conducted in a way that empowers artists.

 

LYN-AL

Lyn-Al Young is a young Gunnai, Wiradjuri, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta fashion designer and artist. Each piece created is founded on the tree carvings, symbolic markings, waterways, totems and landscapes of Young’s four ancestral lands. Best recognized for her draped, water-like silks produced in earthy, prints, Young’s designs are well-loved in the Industry, and we can see why.

 

 

Maara Collective

Working closely with Indigenous artists and creatives, drawing inspiration from Country to present within the context of contemporary fashion, Maara Collective was launched in 2019, by Yuwaalaraay Creative Director Julie Shaw. With every product purchased, the brand gives back proceeds to support digital training and education in remote Aboriginal communities through the Buy1 Give1 program. Luxury resort wear that blends traditional techniques with modern silhouettes.

 

Clothing The Gaps

Producing merch with a meaning and encouraging folks to wear their values on their tee. Clothing The Gaps advocates through fashion and activism for well-being of First Nations Communities. The profit for purpose label is managed by health professionals who support Victorian Aboriginal health promotion and education programs. 100% of the profits drive the cause highlighted by the label.

 

Liandra Swim

We first discovered Liandra Swim at AAFW 2021. Indigenous designer Liandra Gaykamangu sent models down the runway clad in vibrant, streamlined silhouettes layered with dreamy cover ups. Gaykamangu originates from Australia’s Arnhem Land, and in her modern, flattering swim cuts, often translates dot art onto prints in honour of her heritage.

 

Haus of Dizzy

For those with an affinity for statement accessories, this one is for you. Created by proud Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson, Dickinson offers bold, playful, statement-making jewellery that celebrates and honours Indigenous culture—imbuing a sense of empowerment and joy within everybody who wears it, and working important political messaging into her designs, too.

 

Ngali

Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco's Ngali is a Melbourne based label. The brand heavily features printed silk silhouettes from First Nations visual artists. The created designs are added to airy tunics, scarves and breezy button-ups. Ngali first showed at AAFW in 2021, and continues creates purposeful wearable art for any occasion.

 

Ihraa Swim

Ngarru Miimi is an ethical swim-wear label handprinted and created by Nyul Nyul and Nyikina designer, Nat Dan. Each piece of swimwear helps to protect the Australian ecosystem, as it is made from recycled plastic waste salvaged from the ocean. Their efforts not only reduces the amount of waste in marine environments but also saves wildlife from entanglement and injury. 

 

Joseph & James

JOSEPH & JAMES is a ready-to-wear menswear label with the ambition to elevate streetwear with a sophisticated lean. Established in 2021 by designer Juanita Page, the brand is an embodiment of freedom, empowerment, and celebration. These facets are attributed by Page to the cultural diversity of Naarm (Melbourne, Australia), and her Gooreng & South Sea Islander roots. The label has featured at MFW ’22 and AFW ’23, as well as this year's AFW 2024.  Juanita provides a fresh addition to the Australian menswear scene.