Australia High Commission turned into a catwalk for London Fashion Week

Australia’s Next Top Model runner-up Shannon McGuire turned heads in London in a landmark moment for First Nations designers.

Australian model Shannon McGuire prepares to model for the First Nations Fashion Show at Australia House. Picture: Danielle Gusmaroli

Australian model Shannon McGuire turned heads along London’s Westminster Bridge.

The former runner-up of Australia’s Next Top Model models the Narelda Jacobs dress, named after the Network 10 anchor, ahead of London’s First Nation’s Fashion Show at the Australian High Commission where sixty looks were paraded on Tuesday.

The catwalk and art exhibition, which coincides with London Fashion Week, was the first time an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion show was held at Australia House and is a spin-off of the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement by expanding and exporting Australian products, talent, and design to the UK.

Australian model Shannon McGuire will model the Narelda dress at the First Nation’s Fashion Show at Australia House. Picture: Danielle Gusmaroli

The new trade agreement also lays the foundation for Australian artists, including First Nations artists, to receive royalties when their original works of art are resold in the UK.

The former Miss Universe competitor, a Nooronga woman and mother of four from Perth, who wore the black one shoulder dress designed by Amanda Healy, a proud Wonnarua woman from the Hunter Valley in NSW, said: “It‘s a great opportunity for us to get us into the British fashion market and showcase indigenous creations and show our talent.”

Australian model Shannon McGuire is strutting her stiff for the First Nations Fashion Show as part of London Fashion Week. Picture: Danielle Gusmaroli

Swimwear made from recycled plastics by designer Liandra Gaykamang, a Yolgnu woman from north East Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, was showcased on the catwalk.

“All my designs feature indigenous prints which each have a story to tell,” she said.

“I sell to David Jones but it’s good to finally be able to grow and show contemporary Aboriginal Australian culture.

“Being part of the Commonwealth too, there is a strong connection between Australia and the UK and I personally am keen for that to continue.”

Originally published as Australia High Commission turned into a catwalk for London Fashion Week