Walmajarri, Gooniyandi model Kahlia Rogers wins the debut National Indigenous Fashion young achiever award at 2024 ceremony
The world of haute couture, glossy magazines and runways exists a long way from the footy fields, dirt roads and glowing outback sunsets of a remote community, but this is where one of Australia’s rising fashion leaders calls home. Meet the winners of this year’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards.
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The world of haute couture, glossy magazines and runways exists a long way from the footy field, red dirt roads and glowing outback sunsets of Wangkajunga, but this is where one of Australia’s rising fashion leaders calls home.
Walmajarri, Gooniyandi model Kahlia Rogers said she didn’t see many faces like hers in magazines, but with a small laugh she admitted she wasn’t exactly looking.
“I wasn’t really into fashion and all of that,” the 24-year-old said.
“Growing up I was more into sports and as I got a bit older I thought ‘I might give this a go.”
On Wednesday, Ms Rogers was named the inaugural Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award winner at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards in Darwin.
Yet looking back the 24-year-old said her unusual path to fashion five years ago was sparked by a spur of the moment decision.
In 2019 the local art centre Mangkaja Arts Resource Agency, which partnered with Australian-based fashion designers Gorman for its Country to Couture show, put up a sign-up sheet for local models.
The then teenager who had spent more time on the field than in high heels decided “to give it a go”.
“It was one of the best opportunities I’ve ever taken,” Ms Rogers said.
“Being on camera, being out on the runway. It’s all the adrenaline before the show, all the excitement, seeing all the beautiful photos afterwards.”
“I’ve been drawn to the excitement of it all.
“I’ve loved it ever since.”
But her passion for the runway has not come at the cost of connection to her community, culture and family, with the emerging model still based in her home of Wangkajunga, a community of around 200 people 600km from the NT border.
For her everyday job it takes Ms Rogers two-hours each day to get to the Fitzroy Crossing School, but her other passion has allowed her to travel around Australia and internationally to access fashion programs and events including Paris Fashion Week
At the NIFAs, the judges commented about how the rising model demonstrated how young people living in remote communities could aspire to have careers that see them travel broadly and learn new skills, yet still remain connected to their home, culture and family.
Bashfully, Ms Rogers maintains she is “just a model”.
Ms Rogers was one of dozens of First Nations men and women to walk down the Country to Couture runway, even wearing designs from her nearby connected communities at Fitzroy Crossing.
“I feel very honoured and proud being out on the runway with these amazing garments and art,” she said.
The model has also been at the epicentre of one of Australia’s most unlikely fashion hubs at Broome — a mere seven hour drive away down a dusty road — hosting runway shows at the annual Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion Textiles Art show.
Ms Rogers said there was something particularly magical about a runway show on country, with the models lit only by the sunset over the Broome Town Beach Jetty.
“It’s a whole community event,” she said.
“It’s showcasing their work in front of family and friends — that’s really special.
She said being so close to the designers meant when she wore her community’s designs “you get to know the story of it (and) how much work goes into it”.
Ms Rogers said Country to Couture continued that spirit of community and connection, while taking their art to wider Australian and international audiences.
Ms Rogers said returning every year to these First Nation’s empowered events allowed her to see the power of fellow young, upcoming models and designers.
“We have plenty coming through now. That’s really what inspired me,” she said.
“Seeing all those Indigenous models in the industry just made me want to go further.”
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said it was an incredible evening to celebrating the NIFA winners and nominees.
“This talented group continues to inspire us, telling their stories and their histories of a deep connection to Country through beautiful designs,” Ms Maynard said.
Meet 2024’s Winners of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards
Textile Design Award: Jay Jurrupula Rostron, Bábbarra Women’s Centre in Maningrida, Northern Territory
Traditional Adornment Award: Philomena Yeatman, Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct in Yarrabah, Queensland
Wearable Art Award: Lillardia Briggs-Houston, from Albury-Narrandera, New South Wales
Fashion Designer Award: Simone Arnol, from Queensland
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award: Kahlia Rogers, from Fitzroy Crossing and Broome, Western Australia
Community Collaboration Award: Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda x Gilat Shani, Unreal Fur from Nambucca Heads, New South Wales and Melbourne, Victoria.
Business Achievement Award: Ngali, Denni Francisco, from Melbourne, Victoria
See the highlights from the night
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Originally published as Walmajarri, Gooniyandi model Kahlia Rogers wins the debut National Indigenous Fashion young achiever award at 2024 ceremony
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