In Conversation with The Indigenous Fashion Projects

Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP), a Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation program, partnering with IMG Fashion and David Jones, and curated by Perina Drummond, stylist and founder of Jira modeling agency, the runway will bring together some of the nation’s most talented and highly awarded Indigenous designers to celebrate its long overdue position on the mainstage. Drummond says the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander fashion being represented at a national level reaches beyond the designers showing at the event and into the rich history of the communities from which those designers come. “Paying homage to Indigenous women across our country, and celebrating our journey to where we are today, is the key narrative behind this show. We are showcasing Indigenous fashion labels founded by Indigenous women - something that once upon a time would not have been possible. Not forgetting our history, this is a moment in time worth celebrating” she says. — Indigenous Fashion Projects Press Release For the first time ever on the 3rd of June 2021, the world saw Six First Nations Designers showcasing their collections during Australian Fashion Week. It was the first time Australian Fashion Week had included an Indigenous project into their schedule. The Indigenous Fashion Projects is presented by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and together, their aim is to support and open up opportunities to indigenous artists and designers across Australia. We are very lucky to have caught up with two designers: Ngali & Liandra Swim, who took their collections to the catwalks. They will be talking to us about respect within indigenous communities and the stories behind their designs.