Country to Couture catwalk brings Indigenous fashion to Darwin

The Country to Couture catwalk will give a glimpse into the future of Australian designer clothing. Read about what it means for one designer.

Art Designer Roseranna Larry, Kelly Dixon, Hayley Dodd and Pam Brown showcase First Nation fashion for Country to Couture Fashion Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

The glitz and glamour of the catwalk stuns its audience, but for designer Roseranna Larry the fashion on display represents a deeper meaning.

“It’s a sign of my country,” Ms Larry said.

“(Looking at my designs) I feel proud. Not only of mine, but of the designs from other communities also.”

The biggest show since the event’s inception in 2016, the Country to Couture event on Tuesday night will celebrate Indigenous Australia’s textiles and fashion design, with the added awe of cultural storytelling and knowledge sharing.

Aputula-based designer Hayley Dodd said the diversity of First Nations people was reflected in the artwork displayed.

“We may all be (Indigenous), but we all have different cultures, backgrounds, and landscapes.” Ms Dodd said.

“Just comparing their (artwork) to mine… a very different style of artwork.”

Art Designers showcase First Nation fashion for Country to Couture Fashion Show. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Country to Couture will mark the first of several events to celebrate Indigenous fashion this month, with the National Indigenous Fashion Awards and Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair to also take place this week.

Ikuntji Artists manager Dr Chrischona Schmidt said she believed the “unique” designs had huge potential to connect the globe to the world’s oldest living cultures.

“We’ve been to Europe, why not again? Why not Milan?” Dr Schmidt said.

“How many Aboriginal artists have taken their designs to the US or Asia? Not that many.

“The future (plan) is to be seen as an Aboriginal person everywhere.”