Indigenous fashion celebrated as award winners crowned

[Pelican Press 0]

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Indigenous fashion celebrated as award winners crowned

The best of First Nations fashion has been celebrated as a handful of industry professionals were recognised for their creativity, talent and contributions.

Seven winners were announced at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards in Darwin on Wednesday night from a pool of 36 nominees.

Among those honoured was Yawuru woman Kahlia Rogers, who became the first winner of the new Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever of the Year award.

An emerging model, Ms Rogers lives in the Wangkajungka community in Western Australia’s Kimberley region, remaining on country while building her career in the fashion industry.

“I feel incredibly humbled and grateful to have the honour of receiving this amazing award for the first time,” Ms Rogers said.

“I have felt so inspired by all the amazing artists and designers from across Australia tonight and I feel proud to represent my family and community.”

The Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award recognises a young person aged 15 to 25 who is excelling in fashion, textile design, modelling, styling, wearable art, adornment or jewellery.

Fashion Designer of the Year went to Simone Arnol, whose work draws inspiration from traditional dye techniques passed down through generations.

Her designs use rich, earthy colours and recycled materials.

“It is a great privilege to receive this prestigious award and I am so thankful to be recognised by this year’s judges,” Ms Arnol said.

Her win includes a 12-month business mentorship with the brand Country Road.

“With a design handwriting that is truly her own, Simone’s collections showcase her exceptional skill and dedication to quality while celebrating her connection to Country and distinct creative style,” Country Road head of design for womenswear Nimmi Premaratne said.

Kune, Rembarrnga and Kuninjku woman Jay Jurrupula Rostron from west Arnhem land won the Textile Design Award with her work Namurre Boko, a two-colour screen printed design depicting traditional songlines.

The Traditional Adornment Award went to Philomena Yeatman, who teaches weaving practices to young people of the Yarrabah community and whose baskets and basket earrings are used to adorn fashion collections.

Lillardia Briggs-Houston took out the Wearable Art Award for her woven headpiece adorned in hand-turned silk roulade, freshwater mussel bead, silk thread and seed.

The Community Collaboration Award went to Melissa Greenwood from Mimi & Jiinda and Gilat Shani from Unreal Fur.

Denni Francisco won the Business Achievement Award for her fashion brand Ngali.

Indigenous Fashion Projects manager Michelle Maynard said the awards night was a celebration of all 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,” she said.

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