Timeless textiles, fresh styles at National Indigenous Fashion Awards
A Sydney designer’s collaboration with Arnhem Land women, and an Adelaide-based project development company were among winners at the first National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
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Sydney designer Julie Shaw won two of the six categories at Wednesday night’s inaugural National Indigenous Fashion Awards, including one for her label’s collaboration with Bula’bula Arts in remote Arnhem Land.
Shaw, a Yuwaalaraay woman from northern NSW, claimed the Fashion Design Award while her company MAARA Collective won the Community Collaboration prize for its work with Bula’bula artists Mary Dhapalany Mangul, Margaret Djarbaalabal Malibirr and Evonne Muyuyngu.
Judges said the collaboration was powerful because it “demonstrates a process of cultural knowledge sharing”.
“Julie spent time collaborating with Mary, Evonne, and Margaret in Ramingining, learning their traditions, stories and cultural practices,” they said.
Adelaide-based company Ninti One won the Environmental and Social Contribution Award for its ongoing work with Indigenous communities to create economic opportunities through textiles and fashion.
WA artist Peggy Griffiths won the Cultural Adornment and Wearable Art Award for her Legacy Dress, while Kieren Karritpul from Nauiyu Nambiyu in the NT won the Textile Design Award.
Bathurst Island artist Bede Tungutalum received a Special Recognition Award for his contribution to the Indigenous art and design industry through the Tiwi Design centre.
The awards were presented from Darwin and broadcast on NITV’s social media last night, hosted by The Point anchor Rachael Hocking with guest performer, artist and musician Eric Avery.