Huge wraps for designer Lyn-Al Young’s hand-painted scarves

A serendipitous meeting has brought a major career boost for indigenous artist Lyn-Al Young.

Lyn-Al Young models one of her own creations. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

A serendipitous meeting has brought a major career boost for indigenous artist Lyn-Al Young and kick-started a whole new ­initiative for department store David Jones.

Young’s handpainted scarves will be launched into the flagship Sydney and Melbourne stores today for two weeks to coincide with NAIDOC week.

In addition, she has been ­appointed the first David Jones emerging designer, an initiative launched after chief executive David Thomas met Young and her father at the Melbourne Fashion Festival in March.

“This is really a dream come true,” Young told The Weekend Australian.

There is a synergy between Young’s work and the theme of this year’s NAIDOC celebrations: Because of Her, We Can.

“In all my work I want to celebrate my people and my country and celebrate our women,” she said. “One of the key values in my brand is about respecting and protecting the sacredness of a woman’s body. Each piece I paint I say is in the spirit of walumarra nungarra — protection and peace.

“I hope women feel safe in my garments and a sense of peace and good spirits.”

The designs represent her family’s four mobs — on her ­father’s side, Gunnai, Gunditjmara and Yorta Yorta, and on her mother’s side, Waradjuri.

The collection is titled ­­Ngu-ng-ga-dhaany, meaning carrier, a word that resonates with Young with respect to women.

The colours she uses represent the landscape, so include earthy tones as well as bush greys and watery blues.

Fabrics are ethically sourced, in silk or merino wool, and handpainted by Young in Melbourne.

Young hopes this initiative will also help further her ­“fasheaming” — fashion and dreaming — project to help bridge cultural divides.

Mr Thomas was so impressed with Young’s work and attitude that it led to the establishment of the emerging designer program.

While the store launch is ­initially for two weeks only, the retailer will continue to work with Young to support the growth of her business.

“When we met her this ­(initiative) wasn’t on the radar,” Mr Thomas said. “She’s an amazing designer and person, and her story around women’s rights and so forth is very powerful.”