Arnhem Land fabrics feature at Melbourne Fashion Week

Arnhem Land’s Injalak Arts has upgraded its printing studio to accommodate increased demand for Indigenous fabrics following a Melbourne Fashion Week collection.

Velda Nabulwad models a dress made from Injalak fabric printed in Gunbalanya. The dress was featured at Melbourne Fashion Week. Picture: Contributed

A West Arnhem Land screen printing studio inspired a couture collection at Melbourne Fashion Week.

The one-off collection featured as part of the Ganbu Marra runway, showcasing collaborative pieces between designer Ally Beahan and artists from Injalak Arts.

Injalak Arts manager Michael Stitfold said the Indigenous textiles market was gaining traction.

“There is a real appreciation for hand printed fabrics from the source and buyers are really looking for unique products that show a social conscience,” he said.

The gallery’s studio had recently been upgraded to accommodate two 14 metre printing tables to meet heightened interest in Indigenous Australian textiles.

Velda Nabulwad models a dress made from Injalak fabric printed in Gunbalanya. The dress was featured at Melbourne Fashion Week. Picture: Contributed

“Being able to display at Melbourne Fashion Week is a great way to stimulate demand in our work and get our two new tables really firing with quality lengths of hand printed textiles,” Mr Stitfold said.

The Northern Territory and Australian Governments co-funded the upgrades.

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chansey Paech said the government was proud to support “growing demand for Aboriginal art and cultural experiences” and the investment would “ensure the wonderful screen printing work in Gunbalanya can expand to suit market demands”.

“I have no doubt the work of Injalak on show at Melbourne Fashion Week has already turned many heads, and will inspire visitors to come to the Territory to experience first-hand the dynamic production of Aboriginal hand screen printed textiles,” he said.

Originally published as Arnhem Land fabrics feature at Melbourne Fashion Week