Lynelle Flinders, Tamara Pearson on CIAF fashion performance

From the mainland to the islands, Indigenous designers will shine at the highly-anticipated CIAF fashion show next week.

This year's Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair will feature the fashion performance Country Speaking "Light the Fire", with 16 models showcasing the work of 12 indigenous fashion designers over three shows. Models Krishina Cook-Pearson, Kagara Maling and Gillyba Ambrum wear striking designs that will be showcased with music and dance over 3 fashion performances, held at the Tanks Arts Centre next Thursday and Friday. Picture: Brendan Radke

From the mainland to the islands, Indigenous designers will shine at the highly-anticipated Cairns Indigenous Art Fair fashion show.

The annual fashion exhibition, Country Speaking ‘Light the Fire,’ will showcase Indigenous Queensland designers, models and dancers at the Tanks Arts Centre on July 24 and 25.

CIAF Fashion Performance curator Lynelle Flinders said this year’s show would incorporate fashion, music and dance into an overarching story.

“When Indigenous people tell a story, it’s either through art, dance or music so we’re gonna combine all three and give you a bit of a show,” Ms Flinders said.

The fashion performance will feature 12 designers from the Torres Strait, Cape York and beyond.

“Collections range from six to 10 pieces each and we’ve got a great selection this year,” she said.

This year's Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair will feature the fashion performance Country Speaking "Light the Fire", with 16 models showcasing the work of 12 indigenous fashion designers over three shows. Choreographers Tahlia Burchill-O'Brien and Tamara Pearson are working with designers and models in their first collaboration with the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair. Picture: Brendan Radke

As well as fashion and music, the performance will incorporate cultural dance by Far North Queensland choreographers Tamara Pearson and Tahlia Burchill-O’Brien.

“We’re used to telling stories through song, dance and art from our land, seas and homeland and that’s kind of the feeling we want to bring to the show in our own way,” Ms Pearson said.

“We’ve choreographed to fit the clothing, so the models are … bringing the clothing to life with their movements, so each one is designed to fit the designer.”

The first fashion performance will take place at Tanks Arts Centre on July 24 at 3pm and is open to the community.

Tickets are available via the CIAF website.

Friday’s 6pm performance has sold out.

Originally published as Lynelle Flinders, Tamara Pearson on CIAF fashion performance