Meet the First Nations designers taking their fashion across the world

Meet the First Nations designers taking their fashion across the globe

Words: Gladys Lai Producer: Bianca Farmakis in partnership with

There was a piece of Australia on the Paris runways this spring/summer season, as Rebecca Rickard, Nyungar woman and owner of Deadly Denim, and Pilbara Artist Bobbi Lockyer made their collaborative debut. Their designs shared First Nations fashion at its most vibrant.

Tilted Brush Stroke Placed among the ten “designers to watch” by New York-based independent designer platform Flying Solo, Rickard and Lockyer shared a collection of eight looks.

“The blood, sweat and tears that went into this collaboration with [Deadly Denim] can’t be measured. But we are both so incredibly proud to see our work up on such a global platform.”

Tilted Brush Stroke Tilted Brush Stroke The duo’s designs were sustainable delights—in line with Deadly Denim’s commitment to upcycling, one maxi dress was sourced from vintage store Oh Henry, and customised with Lockyer’s artwork near the hem.

Lockyer’s sister, Skye, crafted the earrings for the collection—dotted hoops and flower-adorned rainbows that were artworks on their own, while Sarah Tulip of The Valiom Society cut the patterns for the show. Clothing was matched by shoes courtesy of New York-based label Juliana Heels.

Tilted Brush Stroke Tilted Brush Stroke Lockyer expressed her gratitude for the financial support raised in order to fund their presentation at Paris Fashion Week. To meet the registration fee, both Rickard and Lockyer created a brand new jacket to sell in limited quantities.

As for what’s next? Rickard and Deadly Denim will continue to cement their position at the forefront of First Nations design. Lockyer herself hopes to launch her own label in the future.

The future is here.

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