Held at the Australian retailer's Elizabeth Street flagship store on Tuesday, David Jones celebrated the launch of the Indigenous Fashion Projects Pathways Program Designer Collections as well as its second innovate reconciliation plan.
Featuring an established guest list, a panel discussion hosted by Adam Goodes and Samantha Harris and live instrumental performance by First Nations duo Tim Bishop and Nathan Leslie, attending David Jones executives and media were treated to a culturally crafted morning of celebration.
Additionally, Indigenous social change agency Cox Inall Ridgeway's general manager, Yatu Widders Hunt, lead the morning's event and panel with Aunty Jo Bell performed the Welcome to Country.
With Wiradjuri artist Hannah Lange creating the panel's mural backdrop, chef Goanna Hut catering the event and Yorta Yorta woman Shahn Stewart of Alchemy Orange decorating the space with floral installations, it was evident David Jones is striving to increase how they utilise the talent of First Nations creatives.
Established in 2020 by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation in partnership with David Jones, the Pathways Program is a two-year fashion label development program that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers with fashion industry leaders to develop their skills, build stronger businesses and help raise awareness and the profile of First Nations designers.
In 2023, the program has returned to nurture and oversee the designs of seven First Nations creatives, with six showcasing their designs in-store at David Jones.
The six brands who chose to showcase and sell their garments at David Jones include Gali Swimwear, Miimi and Jiinda, Joseph & James, Kamara, Gammin Threads and Lazy Girl Lingerie.
"It's a really exciting day today, to be here and be a part of this program…to be amongst some incredible Indigenous designers. We are feeling really proud particularly at a time like this with everything going on. It is nice to stay positive, celebrate and continue the work we do," Miimi and Jiinda founders, Melissa Greenwood and Lauren Jarrett told Style Up.
When speaking about the Pathways program, David Jones general manager of womenswear, footwear and accessories, Bridget Veals said it is the Indigenous Fashion Projects (IFP) pathways program that supports the Australian retailer's aim to further advocate for an industry that is more inclusive and representative of First Nations design and culture.
"The Pathways Program is a proud part of David Jones ongoing commitment to supporting diverse design perspectives and working towards a future fashion industry that is more inclusive and representative of First Nations design and cultures," Ms Veals said.
"We're incredibly proud of our partnership with the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation and of the Indigenous Fashion Projects' role in facilitating the development of First Nations designers through cross-cultural exchange and mentorship."
Aside from celebrating the IFP program and this year's selected designers, Tuesday's event was also held to formally reveal David Jones second innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
"Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement," said Reconciliation Australia chief executive, Karen Mundine.
"With close to 5 million people now either working or studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program's potential for impact is greater than ever. David Jones continues to be part of a strong network of corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and transformed it into action."
David Jones chief executive, Scott Fyfe also believes it is time that the renowned retailer steps up and furthers its drive towards reconciliation within Australia.
Having launched its first RAP in 2018, David Jones has since, focused on expanding its work through creative partnerships, education, procurement, and cross-cultural learning.
"The learnings from David Jones' first RAP have put us in a position to deepen our relationships, grow our commitments and influence, and drive meaningful change across our industry and beyond," said Mr Fyfe.
"As an iconic Australian brand, David Jones has a responsibility to use its influence to drive reconciliation forward in this country.
"Whilst the RAP guides David Jones on the delivery of its reconciliation commitments, our collaboration with the Indigenous Fashion Projects is an example of our RAP coming to life. Which is why we felt the designer collections in-store event was the perfect time to also launch our new RAP.
Striving to provide practical support to emerging and established First Nations fashion creatives through collaborations and pathway programs, David Jones will continue to assist and advocate for First Nations communities and creative individuals, through strengthened marketing support, direct employment pathways and more.
"We are proud to be continuing David Jones' reconciliation journey, reaffirming our ongoing ambitions to drive reconciliation through our business, our industry and Australia more broadly," Mr Fyfe said.
Now open to the public, the IFP pop-up display is located on Level 2 of David Jones's Elizabeth Street store for all customers to shop and explore.
The IFP Pathways Program First Nations Designer pop-up is available to shop online and at David Jones' Elizabeth Street Flagship store from Tuesday 31st October 31 until Sunday December 3.
For more fashion, beauty and lifestyle news subscribe for free to the Style Up newsletter.
