First Nations designers go west on Fashion Week runway

By LIZ HOBDAY

Fashion Week has kicked off with a sold-out runway dedicated to First Nations designers – and styled on a western theme.

Among them was artist Lia Tabrah, who was wearing half a dozen items from local designers including a purse of cane toad hide from her own brand, Vermin the Label.

“I specifically love the First Nations runway, I find the connection to country just inspiring and refreshing,” she said.

“It doesn’t feel pretentious and obnoxious and competitive, it just feels spiritual and intuitive.”

First Nations designers have been in focus on the ganbu marra runway in Melbourne. (Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS)

The ganbu marra runway, staged at a recently opened Docklands hotel, was styled in a western theme with cacti props, cowboy hats, and RM Williams boots.

Pilbara brand Kaninda was the first of the night, with a model carrying a football, in printed shorts – and a T-shirt bearing the name of the late West Australian footballer Andy Krakouer.

West Australian label

Next, a standout look from Yanggurdi, by designer Cassie Leatham, was a structured skirt with train, constructed from woven circles of scrap fabrics, dyed in tones of black, brown, orange and blue.

Another West Australian label Jaru Girl stayed with the western theme, with classic shirts with snap closures, and fringed riding chaps.

Fashion designer Tahnee Edwards says Gammin Threads is about being cheeky. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)

Melbourne’s Gammin Threads then took it to the next level, pairing chaps with a red printed bikini.

The label is about good design – and being cheeky, according to designer Tahnee Edwards.

This was embodied with another look, featuring a T-shirt with the sentiment “blink if you want me”.

Yarrenyty Arltere Artists

Perhaps the most striking pieces on the runway though, were from the Northern Territory’s Yarrenyty Arltere Artists, with a stunning opening look featuring a headpiece and printed skirt and singlet in contrasting reds, pinks and greys.

The designs also integrated the soft sculptures the art centre is renowned for, with models wearing sculptures strapped to their arms.

Fashion from the Yarrenyty Arltere Artists integrated soft sculptures into its designs. (Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS)

From Queensland label Banbu there were bright frilled pants and a delicate two-piece set constructed from doilies, as well as disco-inspired sequinned dresses.

Another Queensland label Goompi’s Girl by Nicole Enoch-Chatfield featured graphic crocodile prints, overlaid with lattices of straps.

First Nations designers have been in focus on the ganbu marra runway in Melbourne. (Nadir Kinani/AAP PHOTOS)

Of course, the fashion was just as interesting off the runway: designer Malcolm Paull arrived for the show in a dramatic black and white striped kimono, sporting a yellow handbag in the shape of a sausage dog.

He also designed a gold outfit with hidden ties worn by fashion enthusiast Melisa Lewins.

“I don’t know what you call it, a caftan slash dress slash fabulousness,” said Lewins, who missed out on the city’s fashion festival in February.

“I’ve been hanging out for fashion week, I’m like, give me something, I’m desperate.”

AAP