Native Threads, curated by Karla Hart, showcased creative, vibrant, and authentic beauty grown out of the Indigenous community as designers unveiled their latest creations in Boorloo on Monday.
The day also featured an exceptional performance by Indigenous rapper JK-47, who was making his Perth debut.
The designers involved included Deadly Denim, Kirkkikin, Ngalanag Moort & Kaninda, Phil Walleystack & Ticia Designs.
Deadly Denim
Deadly Denim, founded in 2018 by Rebecca Rickard a Ballardong, Whadjuk woman from the Nyungar nation living and working on country Perth, is a sustainable brand that uses recycled denim from local Boorloo op shops and turns them into fashionable clothing.
The brand has come along since a small collection of 20 recycled denim jackets at the Cinefest Film festival.
Kirrikin
Described as a luxury clothing accessory that meets contemporary Indigenous Australian art, Kirrikin showcases stunning artworks on handcrafted and sustainable fabrics, bringing together the beauty of art and fashion.
The word "Kirrikin" holds a special meaning, It'an Aboriginal word that translates roughly to "Sunday's best clothes."
On the runway bold colours of blue and orange lit up a variety of clothing, from tops to dresses.
Kaninda
When designer Lilla Gagliano started the Pilbara-born lifestyle brand Kaninda, she decided to name it after her daughter Kaninda who was four years old at the time.
A name that has meaning to Ms Gagliano as it was a name given to her from her grandfather, the name means beautiful place in Marthudunera language.
Ms Gagliano brings her youthful energy and style to her work whilst capturing the beauty of the stunning Pilbara landscape through her art and textile design.
Linlelu
Linda Lee Loo, a Noongar woman born in Corrigin, combines traditional Aboriginal art and storytelling with modern fashion.
She started painting as a journey to self healing and she spent many years dealing with depression and the effects it had on herself and family, and working through to her road of recovery.
Ticia Designs
A Gooniyandi/Ngaanyatjarra woman, Letisha Shaw of Ticia Designs grew up in a remote community near Fitzroy Crossing.
Her brand offers a fusion of Indigenous art and contemporary fashion with everyday materials, her dresses feature bespoke hand-craft designs.
Ms Shaw told the story of her always wanting a ball gown to call her own when she was younger but she had to settle for drawing dress designs in her sketchbook, but now she designs her own dresses to share.
Keira
Keira is a Whudjuk noongar woman born on Binderup land. She has completed an Advanced Diploma of Fashion Textiles Design and Merchandising at North Metropolitan TAFE, worked at indigenous Fashion Projects in 2022, and currently working with Deadly Denim.
Keria enjoys deconstructing garments to create avant-garde garments. Keira is also passionate about telling stories through her garments. Her goal is to create something beautiful for the wearer and eyes that view it.
LaJala The Label
LaJala is a proudly Indigenous owned-and-operated business retailing women's nightwear in Boorloo.
LaJala is inspired by the stillness of the night, the stories we hold, adventure we have and the raw beauty of the land we live, walk and play on.
LaJala collaboratively work with other artists to share adventures and tell stories through contemporary art. They inspire, connect and support one another through mind, body and soul.
Here are some more pictures from the day.
